1 Chronicles 6:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 6:15

This verse appears within a lengthy genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically tracing the lineage of the Levites and the high priests. The Chronicler's primary purpose was to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, particularly through the priestly line and the Davidic monarchy, even after the devastating Babylonian Exile. Verse 15 serves as a crucial historical marker, noting the point at which the high priestly line, through Jehozadak, was taken into captivity in Babylon. This event marked a significant rupture in the nation's history, symbolizing the temporary suspension of temple worship and the physical presence of the priesthood in Jerusalem.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The phrase "when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem" explicitly attributes the exile not merely to the military might of Nebuchadnezzar, but to God's sovereign hand. This underscores the theological truth that the exile was a divine judgment for Israel's prolonged disobedience and idolatry, a fulfillment of warnings given centuries earlier (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The captivity of the high priest and the entire nation serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that follow persistent rebellion against God's commands. The loss of their land, temple, and even the presence of their spiritual leaders was a direct result of their covenant unfaithfulness.
  • Historical Accuracy and Continuity: Despite the tragedy of the exile, the Chronicler meticulously records the lineage, including Jehozadak, affirming that God's plan and the priestly succession were not utterly broken. This detail provides hope for future restoration and the eventual re-establishment of the priesthood after the exile.

Significance and Application

1 Chronicles 6:15, though brief, carries profound significance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events even through seemingly hostile nations to accomplish His purposes. The Babylonian captivity was a period of intense suffering but also a time of spiritual purification for Israel. For us today, this verse highlights:

  • The importance of understanding historical context when reading Scripture, as past events often illuminate God's character and principles.
  • The solemn reality that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions.
  • The enduring hope found in God's faithfulness; even in judgment, He preserves a remnant and maintains His promises, as evidenced by the eventual return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back