2 Kings 25:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the ninth {H8671} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427}, in the tenth {H6224} month {H2320}, in the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, that Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} came {H935}, he, and all his host {H2428}, against Jerusalem {H3389}, and pitched {H2583} against it; and they built {H1129} forts {H1785} against it round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, N'vukhadnetzar king of Bavel marched against Yerushalayim with his entire army. He set up camp against it and built siege towers against it on every side.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it.

American Standard Version

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 army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 25:1 records the precise historical moment of the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This verse marks the beginning of the end for the Kingdom of Judah, detailing the overwhelming military force brought against the city and the commencement of the relentless siege operations that would ultimately lead to Jerusalem's destruction, the burning of the Temple, and the exile of its people, profoundly shaping Israel's national and religious identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim climax to a narrative arc of decline and judgment that has unfolded throughout the book of 2 Kings. Following the account of King Jehoiachin's deportation and the installation of Zedekiah as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and Zedekiah's Reign"), the narrative immediately shifts to Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon. [2 Kings 24:20](/2_kings/24-20 "2 Kings 24:20 - Zedekiah's Rebellion") explicitly states that "Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon," setting the stage for the inevitable punitive action described in 2 Kings 25:1. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated event but the direct consequence of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness and Zedekiah's political miscalculation, leading directly into the detailed account of the city's fall and the subsequent exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "ninth year of his reign" refers to King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who had sworn an oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. His rebellion, likely fueled by a misguided alliance with Egypt, provoked the full might of the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar, a formidable military strategist and the most powerful ruler of his time, responded decisively. The meticulous dating—"in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month"—corresponds to January 15, 588 BC, highlighting the historical precision and solemnity of this event. This was not a quick raid but a full-scale siege, employing advanced military engineering. The Babylonians "pitched against it" (established a fortified camp) and "built forts against it round about," referring to the construction of siege ramps, towers, and circumvallation walls designed to isolate the city, prevent supplies from entering, and facilitate a breach of its defenses, a common and effective siege tactic of the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The commencement of the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 25:1 powerfully underscores several major themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it is the ultimate manifestation of **Divine Judgment** upon Judah for generations of idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and social injustice, repeatedly warned against by prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Prophecy of Babylonian Invasion") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/39-6 "Isaiah 39:6 - Prophecy of Babylonian Exile"). Secondly, it represents the dramatic **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as numerous prophets had foretold this very destruction and exile, validating God's sovereign control over history and nations, even using foreign empires as instruments of His will, as seen in [Jeremiah 32:3](/jeremiah/32-3 "Jeremiah 32:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall"). Finally, this event marks **The End of an Era**—the collapse of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule in Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity, a period of profound theological reorientation and suffering that would reshape the identity of the Jewish people, as detailed in [2 Kings 25:11](/2_kings/25-11 "2 Kings 25:11 - The Babylonian Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _ḥayil'_):** This term, often translated as "army," "force," or "might," signifies not just a collection of soldiers but a powerful, overwhelming military contingent. It conveys the immense resources and formidable strength Nebuchadnezzar commanded, emphasizing the futility of Jerusalem's resistance against such a formidable "host." The use of *ḥayil* here underscores the sheer scale and destructive potential of the Babylonian forces.
* **Pitched (Hebrew, _ḥānah'_):** This verb means "to encamp," "to lay siege," or "to settle down." It describes the strategic action of Nebuchadnezzar's army establishing a fortified camp around Jerusalem. This was not a temporary skirmish but a deliberate, long-term military operation, indicating the Babylonians' intent to completely encircle and isolate the city, preparing for a protracted siege rather than a quick assault.
* **Forts (Hebrew, _dayeq'_):** This rare term refers to siege works, mounds, or circumvallation walls built by besieging armies. These were not merely temporary structures but substantial earthworks and fortifications constructed to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the city, to provide elevated positions for archers and siege engines, and to serve as a base for breaching the city walls. The construction of *dayeq* signifies a comprehensive and relentless siege strategy designed to starve out and ultimately conquer the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month":** This precise chronological marker refers to the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah. The specificity of the date (January 15, 588 BC) emphasizes the historical accuracy and gravity of the event. It highlights that this was a documented, significant turning point, not a vague occurrence, underscoring the divine hand in history and the fulfillment of prophecy.
* **"[that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem":** This clause identifies the aggressor and the target. Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, personally led this massive military expedition. The phrase "all his host" underscores the overwhelming numerical and strategic superiority of the Babylonian army, indicating that Jerusalem faced an insurmountable force.
* **"and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.":** This describes the immediate actions taken by the Babylonian army upon arrival. "Pitched against it" signifies the establishment of a fortified siege camp, completely encircling the city. The subsequent action, "they built forts against it round about," refers to the construction of elaborate siege works, such as earthen ramps, siege towers, and circumvallation walls. This demonstrates a methodical, comprehensive, and relentless siege strategy designed to starve the city into submission and eventually breach its formidable defenses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Chronological Precision**, with the exact dating ("ninth year...tenth month, in the tenth day") lending an air of historical verisimilitude and sober finality to the narrative. This precision underscores the inevitability of the impending doom and the fulfillment of divine warnings. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** as the meticulous description of the Babylonian forces ("all his host") and their comprehensive siege tactics ("pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about") vividly anticipates the utter destruction and desolation that will follow. The sheer scale of the attacking force and the methodical nature of their preparations communicate the overwhelming power arrayed against Jerusalem, making the city's fall seem unavoidable. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: Zedekiah, placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar, now faces the very power that installed him, a consequence of his own rebellious defiance against the divine will that had ordained submission to Babylon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 25:1 is a stark testament to the unwavering principle of divine justice and the reliability of God's word. It demonstrates that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite, and persistent disobedience to His covenant commands ultimately leads to severe consequences. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, the very symbols of God's presence among His people, was a profound theological crisis, forcing Judah to confront the reality of their sin and God's sovereignty even over their national destiny. This event served as a painful but necessary purification, intended to bring about repentance and a renewed reliance on God alone, highlighting that God uses even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Covenant Curses of Invasion")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Jeremiah 21:7](/jeremiah/21-7 "Jeremiah 21:7 - Zedekiah Delivered to Nebuchadnezzar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The commencement of the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 25:1 offers a profound and sobering lesson for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and history, and His word, whether in promise or warning, will ultimately be fulfilled. Just as Judah faced the consequences of generations of unfaithfulness, we are called to a life of consistent obedience and faithfulness to God's revealed will. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: are we heeding God's warnings, or are we, like Zedekiah, trusting in futile alliances and rebellious defiance? It underscores the importance of repentance and submission, recognizing that God's judgment, though severe, is always righteous and ultimately aimed at bringing His people back to Himself. Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, God's purposes prevail, and His people are refined through trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of the date in 2 Kings 25:1 deepen your understanding of God's involvement in historical events?**
* **What parallels can you draw between Judah's persistent rebellion and areas in your own life where you might be resisting God's will?**
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word for today?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unjust?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific date of the siege commencement so meticulously recorded?**

Answer: The meticulous recording of the date—"in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month"—serves several critical purposes. Historically, it underscores the accuracy and reliability of the biblical account, aligning with extra-biblical records that place this event on January 15, 588 BC. Theologically, it emphasizes that this was not a random or unforeseen occurrence but a divinely ordained and precisely timed act of judgment, a direct fulfillment of prophecies delivered by prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Prophecy of Babylonian Invasion"). This precision highlights God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment. It also marks a pivotal, unforgettable moment in Israel's national memory, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 25:1 describes a moment of devastating judgment and the destruction of the earthly temple, it ultimately points forward to Christ in profound ways. The fall of Jerusalem and the exile, though traumatic, were not the end of God's covenant promises; rather, they purified a remnant and prepared the way for a greater salvation. The destruction of the physical temple foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who declared Himself to be the true temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Just as Jerusalem faced judgment for its rejection of God's warnings, Jesus lamented over Jerusalem's continued rejection of Him, foretelling its future destruction in AD 70 ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Yet, in Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, the full weight of divine judgment for sin was borne on the cross, offering a path to reconciliation and restoration that the Old Covenant could not fully provide ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). The exile, a period of brokenness and longing, cultivated a deep hope for the Messiah, who would ultimately gather God's scattered people and establish an eternal kingdom, not of this world, where true peace and justice would reign ([Hebrews 8:1-13](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1-13 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the historical tragedy of 2 Kings 25:1, while marking the end of an era, ultimately paves the way for the new covenant and the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ, the true King and Temple.

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 52:4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

Jeremiah 52:11

Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

Jeremiah 34:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying,

Jeremiah 34:6

Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,

Isaiah 29:3

And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee.

1 Chronicles 6:15

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

Jeremiah 43:10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.