2 Chronicles 36:18

KJV

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the vessels {H3627} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, great {H1419} and small {H6996}, and the treasures {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the treasures {H214} of the king {H4428}, and of his princes {H8269}; all these he brought {H935} to Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the articles in the house of God, great and small; the supplies in the house of ADONAI; and the supplies of the king and his leading men - all these he brought to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of Jehovah, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes, all these he brought to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 36:18 powerfully depicts the complete subjugation of the Kingdom of Judah, detailing the systematic plundering of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This verse records the removal of all sacred vessels from the Temple of God, regardless of size, alongside the vast treasures of both the Temple and the royal palace, including those belonging to the king and his princes. This act was not merely a military conquest but a profound theological statement, signifying the culmination of divine judgment upon Judah for its persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, leading directly into the seventy-year Babylonian Exile and the temporary cessation of formal worship in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the book of 2 Chronicles, which meticulously traces the history of the Davidic monarchy from Solomon to the Babylonian Exile. The preceding chapters chronicle a succession of kings, many of whom led Judah further into idolatry and disobedience, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Chapter 36 specifically details the final, rapid decline under the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and finally Zedekiah. Verse 18 follows the description of Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar and his persistent refusal to humble himself before Jeremiah's prophetic word, leading to the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem. The plundering described here is the direct consequence of this unfaithfulness, serving as the immediate precursor to the destruction of the Temple and the mass deportation of the people, as detailed in the subsequent verses and throughout [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 36:18 occurred during the Neo-Babylonian Empire's dominance, specifically during Nebuchadnezzar II's final campaign against Judah in 586 BC. For the people of Judah, the Temple was not merely a building but the physical dwelling place of God's presence (the *Shekinah*), the center of their national and religious identity, and the place where atonement was made. Its plundering was an act of profound desecration and humiliation, a clear sign that their God had, in their eyes, abandoned them or was powerless against Babylon – though the biblical narrative consistently presents it as God's deliberate judgment. Babylonian imperial policy often involved plundering the gods and treasures of conquered nations, bringing them to Babylon as trophies to demonstrate the supremacy of their own deities, a practice vividly illustrated by the later feast in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Writing on the Wall") where these very vessels were defiled.
* **Key Themes:** The plundering of the Temple and royal treasures in 2 Chronicles 36:18 underscores several critical themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that Judah's downfall was not random but a direct result of their persistent idolatry, rejection of God's prophets, and violation of the Mosaic Covenant, echoing warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Loss of Sacred Space and National Identity**. The Temple was the heart of Israel's worship and national life, and its desecration symbolized the profound spiritual and national crisis. Finally, the event serves as a stark **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the dire warnings delivered by the prophet Jeremiah concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the impending exile to Babylon if the people did not repent, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 27:19-22](/jeremiah/27-19 "Jeremiah 27:19-22 - Jeremiah's Prophecy about the Temple Vessels").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627. This term refers to implements, utensils, or articles. In the context of the "house of God," it specifically denotes the sacred objects used in Temple worship—such as bowls, shovels, basins, and other instruments for sacrifices and rituals. The inclusion of "great and small" emphasizes the totality of the plunder, indicating that nothing, however seemingly insignificant, was spared from the Babylonian invaders, underscoring the completeness of the desecration and loss.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214. This word signifies a depository or storehouse, and by extension, the valuable contents stored within. In 2 Chronicles 36:18, it refers to the accumulated wealth—gold, silver, and precious items—held within both the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace. The plundering of these treasures highlights not only the material loss but also the complete stripping of Judah's national and religious wealth, symbolizing the profound humiliation and subjugation under Babylonian rule.
* **Babylon (Hebrew, _Bâbel'_):** From H894. Meaning "confusion," this proper noun refers to the mighty Neo-Babylonian Empire and its capital city, the destination for the plundered items and the exiled people of Judah. Its mention here signifies the ultimate seat of Judah's conqueror and oppressor, representing the culmination of divine judgment and the beginning of the seventy-year exile. The transportation of these sacred and royal items to Babylon was a powerful visual declaration of Babylonian supremacy and the complete subjugation of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small":** This clause highlights the comprehensive nature of the plunder, emphasizing that every single item, from the largest altar implements to the smallest bowls, was taken. The sacredness of these items, consecrated for divine service, made their removal a particularly grievous act of desecration and a visible sign of God's judgment upon His unfaithful people.
* **"and the treasures of the house of the LORD":** This refers to the accumulated wealth within the Temple itself, beyond the ritual vessels. This would have included gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuables dedicated to God or stored within the Temple complex, further emphasizing the immense material loss and the complete stripping of Judah's sacred wealth.
* **"and the treasures of the king, and of his princes;":** This expands the scope of the plunder from the sacred to the secular, encompassing the personal wealth and royal treasury of the monarchy and its officials. This detail underscores the total collapse of Judah's sovereignty and political independence, as both the religious and civil authorities were utterly stripped of their power and resources.
* **"all [these] he brought to Babylon.":** The pronoun "he" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, the instrument of God's judgment. The final destination, Babylon, signifies the place of Judah's captivity and humiliation. This concluding phrase succinctly summarizes the devastating outcome of Judah's rebellion and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its somber message. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "great and small," which serves to emphasize the totality and completeness of the plunder, signifying that absolutely nothing from the Temple was left behind. This device highlights the thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest and the extent of Judah's loss. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, as the "vessels of the house of God" are not merely objects but potent symbols of God's presence, the covenant, and the very identity of Israel. Their removal and transportation to Babylon symbolize the desecration of sacred space, the breaking of the covenant relationship due to Judah's unfaithfulness, and the profound humiliation of a nation whose God's dwelling place was seemingly abandoned. The "treasures of the king, and of his princes" also symbolize the complete loss of Judah's political independence and royal authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plundering of the Temple and royal treasures in 2 Chronicles 36:18 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. It demonstrates God's unwavering holiness and His commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This event, far from indicating God's weakness, illustrates His sovereign control over history, even using pagan empires as instruments of His divine judgment. It underscores that true security and blessing do not lie in physical structures or material wealth, even consecrated ones, but in a faithful relationship with God. The loss of these cherished items and the sacred space itself was a disciplinary act, designed to humble Judah and lead them to repentance, ultimately pointing towards a future restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Warnings of Siege and Exile")
* [Jeremiah 27:19-22](/jeremiah/27-19 "Jeremiah 27:19-22 - Jeremiah's Prophecy about the Temple Vessels")
* [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns the Temple Vessels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The somber account of 2 Chronicles 36:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings regarding the consequences of spiritual apathy, idolatry, and disobedience are not idle threats but carry real and devastating implications. Just as Judah's physical treasures and sacred objects were stripped away due to their unfaithfulness, so too can our spiritual vitality and the blessings we take for granted erode when we neglect our covenant relationship with God. This verse challenges us to examine what "treasures" we might be prioritizing over our devotion to God—be it material possessions, worldly ambitions, or even religious rituals devoid of true heart-worship. It calls us to cultivate genuine faithfulness, recognizing that God's sovereignty extends even into periods of judgment and adversity, always with a redemptive purpose. We are reminded that God values the condition of our hearts more than any external display or physical possession.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the complete plundering of the Temple challenge my assumptions about God's protection of sacred spaces or objects?**
* **What "vessels" or "treasures" in my life (e.g., time, talents, resources, relationships) might I be misusing or prioritizing over my devotion to God?**
* **In what ways can I ensure my worship and spiritual practices are rooted in genuine faithfulness rather than mere external forms?**

### FAQ
**Was this the first time the Temple was plundered, or were there previous instances?**

Answer: No, this was not the first time the Temple had been plundered. While 2 Chronicles 36:18 describes the most comprehensive and final plundering before its destruction, the Temple had suffered previous losses. For instance, during the reign of Rehoboam, the Egyptian Pharaoh Shishak plundered the Temple's treasures (recorded in [1 Kings 14:25-26](/1_kings/14-25 "1 Kings 14:25-26 - Shishak Plunders the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")). Later, King Jehoash of Israel plundered the Temple during the reign of Amaziah of Judah ([2 Kings 14:14](/2_kings/14-14 "2 Kings 14:14 - Jehoash Plunders Jerusalem")). However, the plunder by Nebuchadnezzar was unique in its totality and its direct connection to the seventy-year exile, signifying the complete end of Judah's autonomy and the temporary cessation of Temple worship.

**What eventually happened to these sacred vessels taken to Babylon?**

Answer: The sacred vessels taken from the Temple were brought to Babylon and placed in the temples of Babylonian gods, likely as trophies to signify the supremacy of Babylonian deities over Judah's God. However, the biblical narrative records a remarkable turn of events. After the fall of Babylon to the Persians, King Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. Furthermore, Cyrus himself ordered the return of these very vessels, which had been meticulously preserved. [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns the Temple Vessels") details how Cyrus brought forth the vessels and entrusted them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah, to be returned to Jerusalem, demonstrating God's faithfulness and sovereignty even over pagan kings.

**Why did God allow His own Temple, the place of His dwelling, to be plundered and destroyed?**

Answer: God allowed His Temple to be plundered and eventually destroyed not because He was powerless, but as a severe act of divine judgment and discipline upon His people, Judah, for their persistent and unrepentant idolatry, injustice, and rejection of His covenant. The prophets, particularly Jeremiah, had repeatedly warned the people that if they did not turn from their wicked ways, God would allow their enemies to conquer them and destroy the Temple, which had become a source of false security for them ([Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon")). This act demonstrated God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even if it meant judging His own people. It was a disciplinary measure intended to bring about repentance and ultimately lead to a future restoration, emphasizing that God's presence is not confined to a building but requires a faithful heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plundering of the physical Temple and its sacred vessels in 2 Chronicles 36:18, while a devastating historical event, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Old Testament Temple, with its rituals and objects, was always a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality of Christ. Just as the physical Temple was desecrated and destroyed due to human sin, Jesus, the true Temple of God, had His body "plundered" and destroyed on the cross by the sin of humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Yet, like the Temple vessels that were eventually restored, Jesus' body was raised on the third day, inaugurating a new and living way to God. Furthermore, in Christ, the need for a physical temple and its ceremonial "vessels" is rendered obsolete, as He is the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest who has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His Spirit, believers themselves become the "temple of the Holy Spirit," sacred vessels consecrated for God's use, no longer defined by physical structures or earthly treasures but by their union with Christ ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit")). The ultimate "treasure" is not gold or silver, but the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")), and the true "vessels" are those who bear His name, carrying His light into the world ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "Treasure in Jars of Clay")). The exile and return of the vessels foreshadow the greater spiritual exile of humanity from God due to sin, and Christ's redemptive work to bring us back into perfect communion with Him.

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 Chronicles 36:10

And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:7

Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.

2 Kings 20:13

And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and [all] the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

2 Kings 20:17

Behold, the days come, that all that [is] in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.

Daniel 5:3

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

Jeremiah 52:17

Also 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, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

Jeremiah 52:23

And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; [and] all the pomegranates upon the network [were] an hundred round about.