2 Chronicles 36:20

KJV

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

KJV (with Strong's)

And them that had escaped {H7611} from the sword {H2719} carried he away {H1540} to Babylon {H894}; where they were servants {H5650} to him and his sons {H1121} until the reign {H4427} of the kingdom {H4438} of Persia {H6539}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who had escaped the sword he carried off to Bavel, and they became slaves to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.

American Standard Version

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates the tragic culmination of Judah's persistent rebellion against God, detailing the forced deportation of the surviving remnant of Jerusalem's inhabitants to Babylon. Following the city's destruction and the Temple's desecration, those who escaped death by the sword were carried into a period of servitude under Nebuchadnezzar and his successors, a captivity divinely ordained to last for a specific duration, "until the reign of the kingdom of Persia," signaling a future, albeit distant, end to their exile and the promise of eventual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as the penultimate statement in the book of 2 Chronicles, serving as a stark and somber conclusion to the chronicler's narrative of the Kingdom of Judah. It immediately follows the harrowing account of Jerusalem's utter destruction, the burning of the Temple, and the carrying away of its sacred vessels, a direct consequence of the people's and kings' escalating unfaithfulness (cf. [2 Chronicles 36:17-19](/2_chronicles/36-17-19 "2 Chronicles 36:17-19 - Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple")). The chronicler has meticulously traced the lineage of Judah's kings, consistently highlighting their moral and spiritual decline, their rejection of God's prophets, and the people's complicity, culminating in this devastating judgment. Verse 20, therefore, marks the definitive end of the independent Davidic monarchy's rule and sets the stage for the brief, hopeful epilogue of Cyrus's decree in [2 Chronicles 36:22-23](/2_chronicles/36-22-23 "2 Chronicles 36:22-23 - Cyrus's Decree"), which directly links to the opening of the book of Ezra, indicating the eventual return from exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Chronicles 36:20](/2_chronicles/36-20 "2 Chronicles 36:20 - The Babylonian Exile") occurred during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a period dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Following the decline of Assyria, Babylon asserted its dominance over the Ancient Near East, making Judah a strategic but vulnerable vassal state. Judah, repeatedly caught between regional powers, unwisely rebelled against Babylonian suzerainty, despite divine warnings delivered through prophets like Jeremiah. Nebuchadnezzar conducted multiple campaigns against Jerusalem, culminating in the final siege and destruction in 586 BC. The practice of deporting conquered populations was a common imperial strategy to quell rebellion, dismantle national identity, and provide labor for the empire. The phrase "servants to him and his sons" refers to the successive Babylonian kings who ruled during the seventy-year exile, including Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, Neriglissar, Labashi-Marduk, and Nabonidus, until the fall of Babylon to the Persian Empire in 539 BC.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes present throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Covenant Consequences**, demonstrating the severe repercussions of Judah's persistent idolatry, injustice, and rejection of God's covenant and prophetic warnings, as seen in passages like the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"). Secondly, it signifies the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly Jeremiah's foretelling of a seventy-year period of desolation for the land and servitude to Babylon (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Jeremiah's Letter on the 70-Year Exile")). Thirdly, the crucial phrase "until the reign of the kingdom of Persia" introduces the vital theme of **Hope and Divine Sovereignty in History**. Even amidst the darkest hour of national catastrophe, God's sovereign control over nations and historical events is affirmed, pointing to a definite end to the exile and the eventual restoration, as later seen in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return"). The exile itself served as a crucible, a period of discipline and purification for the people of God, designed to reorient their hearts back to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **escaped (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** This term (H7611) refers to "a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion." It signifies that not all were annihilated by the sword or famine, but a portion of the population was preserved, albeit for a life of servitude. This concept of a "remnant" is significant throughout biblical theology, often pointing to God's faithfulness in preserving a portion of His people even through judgment, ensuring the continuation of His covenant purposes.
* **carried he away (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This verb (H1540) is a primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." Here, it powerfully conveys the forced, humiliating removal of the Judeans from their homeland, stripped of their national identity and possessions, and transported as captives. It emphasizes the severity and totality of their displacement.
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This word (H5650) denotes "a servant" or "slave." Its use here emphasizes the complete loss of freedom, autonomy, and national sovereignty for the deported Judeans. They were not merely immigrants but were forcibly subjugated, compelled to labor and live under the absolute authority of their captors, a stark contrast to their former identity as God's free people in their own land.
* **reign (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This verb (H4427) is a primitive root meaning "to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty." In this context, it refers to the period of rule or dominion of the Persian kingdom. The specific mention of "reign" underscores the transfer of imperial power from Babylon to Persia, a divinely orchestrated shift that would directly impact the fate of the exiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon;":** This clause identifies the specific group affected – the survivors of the Babylonian conquest, those who were not killed in battle or by famine. The implied agent of their deportation is Nebuchadnezzar (from the preceding verses), who forcibly removed them from their homeland. The destination, Babylon, was the heart of the conquering empire, far from Jerusalem, symbolizing their complete displacement and subjugation. This act represents the fulfillment of divine judgment upon a rebellious people.
* **"where they were servants to him and his sons":** This phrase details the abject condition of the deported remnant. They were reduced to slavery, serving Nebuchadnezzar and his immediate successors (the line of Babylonian kings). This highlights the profound loss of their national and personal freedom, their forced labor, and their complete dependence on their captors. It underscores the severity of God's judgment and the abject state of His covenant people, now under the dominion of a foreign power.
* **"until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:":** This final clause provides the crucial temporal boundary for the exile. It prophesies the end of Babylonian dominance and the rise of the Persian Empire. This is not merely a historical marker but a profound theological statement, indicating that God's sovereign plan encompassed not only the judgment but also its duration and the means of its termination. This "until" is the linchpin of hope, pointing forward to the eventual end of Babylonian rule and the subsequent opportunity for the exiles to return to their land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological and historical significance. There is a strong sense of **Climax**, as this verse represents the ultimate nadir of Judah's national history, the culmination of centuries of disobedience and the fulfillment of dire prophecies concerning exile and desolation. The phrase "until the reign of the kingdom of Persia" functions as a form of **Proleptic Language** or **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a future shift in global power and the eventual end of the exile, thereby injecting a glimmer of hope into an otherwise bleak narrative. The chronicler's concise recounting of such a monumental and tragic event also exemplifies **Understatement** in its brevity, allowing the immense weight of the historical reality and divine judgment to speak for itself without excessive elaboration. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Irony** in the fact that a people chosen by God for freedom and a promised land, meant to be a light to the nations, now find themselves enslaved in a foreign land due to their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Chronicles 36:20](/2_chronicles/36-20 "2 Chronicles 36:20 - The Babylonian Exile") serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over human history. It demonstrates that divine judgment for persistent sin is real and severe, yet even within judgment, God's covenant faithfulness is evident, as He sets a definite limit to the period of suffering. The exile was not an abandonment but a painful, purifying discipline designed to lead His people back to Himself, a crucible for their faith. The "until" clause subtly introduces the theme of restoration, implying that God's ultimate purpose for His people would not be thwarted, even by their profound unfaithfulness. It highlights that God works through the rise and fall of empires to accomplish His redemptive plan.

* [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Jeremiah's Letter on the 70-Year Exile")
* [Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel 9:2 - Daniel's Understanding of the 70 Years")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of [2 Chronicles 36:20](/2_chronicles/36-20 "2 Chronicles 36:20 - The Babylonian Exile") offers timeless lessons for believers today. It is a powerful reminder that persistent rebellion against God's revealed will and the rejection of His warnings inevitably lead to consequences, both individually and corporately. Just as Judah faced a period of "exile" and "servitude" due to their unfaithfulness, we too can experience periods of spiritual barrenness, broken relationships, or loss when we stray from God's path and ignore His call to repentance. However, the profound "until the reign of the kingdom of Persia" offers immense comfort: even the most challenging trials, periods of discipline, or seasons of suffering have a divinely appointed end. God's faithfulness ensures that His people are never forsaken permanently; His discipline is always redemptive, designed to bring us back into closer fellowship with Him. This verse calls us to heed God's warnings, embrace His discipline as an act of love, and cling to the hope that He is sovereign over all circumstances, bringing about His purposes in His perfect timing. Our present difficulties are not eternal, for God has an "until" for every season of trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "warnings" from God, through His Word or Spirit, might I be ignoring in my own life or in the life of my community?**
* **How do I typically respond to periods of difficulty or "exile" in my life? Do I see them as mere punishment, or as purposeful discipline from a loving God seeking my restoration?**
* **Where do I find my "until" – the assurance that even the most challenging seasons have a defined end and a promise of restoration through God's faithfulness and sovereign plan?**

### FAQ
**Who carried the people of Judah away to Babylon, and why?**

Answer: The people of Judah who had survived the destruction of Jerusalem were carried away to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This was the culmination of God's judgment upon Judah for their persistent idolatry, unfaithfulness to the covenant, and rejection of the prophetic warnings delivered through His servants. The Babylonian conquest and subsequent deportations were God's chosen instruments of discipline, fulfilling prophecies that foretold a period of exile due to the nation's profound sin (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")).

**How long did this period of servitude in Babylon last, and how did it end?**

Answer: The verse states that their servitude lasted "until the reign of the kingdom of Persia." This refers to the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Jeremiah's Letter on the 70-Year Exile")). This period began with Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation in 605 BC and concluded with the decree of Cyrus the Great of Persia in 539 BC, after Persia conquered Babylon. Cyrus's decree allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return")), marking the end of their national servitude and the beginning of their restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Chronicles 36:20](/2_chronicles/36-20 "2 Chronicles 36:20 - The Babylonian Exile"), while detailing a period of national judgment and servitude, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual liberation found in Christ. The "escapees from the sword" being carried into "servitude" speaks to humanity's fallen state, enslaved by sin and death (cf. [Romans 6:16-17](/romans/6-16-17 "Romans 6:16-17 - Slaves to Sin or Righteousness")). Just as Judah was held captive by a foreign power, so too are all people born into spiritual bondage under the dominion of sin and the prince of this world (cf. [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Yet, just as the exile had an "until" clause, pointing to a divinely appointed end, so too does the spiritual bondage of humanity. Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily became a "servant" (cf. [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) to deliver us from our spiritual Babylon—the domain of darkness and sin. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He conquered the powers that held us captive, bringing an end to our spiritual exile and ushering in the reign of a new, eternal kingdom. His sacrifice on the cross marked the ultimate "until," the definitive end to sin's dominion, offering true freedom and restoration to all who believe (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). The historical "until" of Persian rule points to the eternal "until" of Christ's triumph, where His kingdom knows no end, and His people are forever free, brought into His glorious light.

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

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Ezra 1:1

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

Ezra 1:11

All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25:11

Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

2 Chronicles 36:22

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];

Deuteronomy 28:48

Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.