2 Kings 25:10

KJV

And all the army of the Chaldees, that [were with] the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the army {H2428} of the Chaldees {H3778}, that were with the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876}, brake down {H5422} the walls {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole army of the Kasdim, who were with the commander of the guard, broke down the walls of Yerushalayim on every side.

Berean Standard Bible

And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 25:10 records the definitive and comprehensive demolition of Jerusalem's formidable defensive walls by the Neo-Babylonian army, under the direct command of Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard. This act was far more than a military maneuver; it was a profound and visible declaration of total conquest, an act of ultimate humiliation, and the unequivocal end of the Kingdom of Judah's sovereignty, security, and national identity, representing the devastating climax of God's long-prophesied judgment against a persistently disobedient nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the tragic final chapter of the Kingdom of Judah, chronicled in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). The narrative immediately preceding this verse details the harrowing 18-month siege of Jerusalem, which led to severe famine and the eventual breach of the city walls in the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign ([2 Kings 25:1-4](/2_kings/25-1-4 "2 Kings 25:1-4 - The Siege and Breach of Jerusalem")). Following the breach, King Zedekiah's desperate attempt to flee was thwarted, leading to his capture, the execution of his sons before his eyes, and his subsequent blinding and deportation to Babylon ([2 Kings 25:5-7](/2_kings/25-5-7 "2 Kings 25:5-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment")). Verse 10 directly follows the systematic burning of the Temple, the royal palace, and all the great houses of Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian commander ([2 Kings 25:8-9](/2_kings/25-8-9 "2 Kings 25:8-9 - The Burning of the Temple and Palace")). Thus, the demolition of the walls solidifies the physical manifestation of Judah's utter defeat and desolation, serving as a stark prelude to the subsequent mass deportation of the remaining populace to Babylon ([2 Kings 25:11](/2_kings/25-11 "2 Kings 25:11 - The Deportation of Judah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Chaldees" refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which rose to prominence in the ancient Near East during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE under the formidable leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar II. Their military strategy often involved not only conquering but utterly devastating rebellious cities to prevent future insurrections and to assert absolute dominance. In the ancient world, city walls were far more than mere defensive structures; they were potent symbols of a city's strength, security, and sovereignty. Their destruction was the ultimate act of conquest and humiliation, signifying the reduction of a once-proud capital to an open, defenseless ruin. Nebuzaradan, identified as "the captain of the guard" (Hebrew: _rab-ṭabbâch_), was a high-ranking official, often translated as "chief of the executioners" or "commander of the imperial guard." He was entrusted with the grim and systematic task of overseeing the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportation of its inhabitants, underscoring the deliberate and punitive nature of Babylon's actions against Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The destruction described in [2 Kings 25:10](/2_kings/25-10 "2 Kings 25:10 - Destruction of Jerusalem's Walls") is deeply interwoven with several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Kings and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it serves as a stark and undeniable demonstration of **Divine Judgment** against Judah for its persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and pervasive moral corruption, despite repeated warnings from prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Babylon and Judah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - Judgment on Jerusalem"). This event also powerfully illustrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as numerous warnings regarding Jerusalem's inevitable fall and the subsequent exile, often tied to the dire consequences of disobedience to God's covenant, came to pass with terrifying precision ([Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Siege and Destruction")). Finally, the "breaking down the walls round about" signifies **Utter Desolation and Vulnerability**, stripping Jerusalem of its physical and symbolic defenses, leaving it exposed and signaling the complete end of an era of independent monarchy and national security, paving the way for the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound theological reflection and spiritual purification for the remnant of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term (H2428) denotes a force, whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing concepts like strength, valor, and military might. In this context, "army" emphasizes the formidable and overwhelming military power of the Chaldeans, highlighting the sheer force brought to bear against Jerusalem. It underscores the futility of Judah's resistance against such a potent and well-resourced invading host.
* **brake down (Hebrew, _nâthats'_):** The verb (H5422) signifies "to tear down," "to demolish," or "to overthrow." It conveys a sense of thorough, deliberate, and systematic destruction, far beyond a mere breach for entry. This was an intentional act of dismantling the city's defenses, ensuring it could not be easily re-fortified. The choice of this verb emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the conquest, a statement of total subjugation.
* **walls (Hebrew, _chôwmâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2346) refers to a wall of protection, specifically the defensive fortifications of a city. In the ancient world, city walls were paramount for security, representing a city's strength, resilience, and even its very identity and sovereignty. Their complete demolition, as described here, symbolized the utter loss of security, national pride, and the definitive end of Jerusalem's status as an independent, fortified capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the army of the Chaldees":** This opening phrase underscores the collective, unified, and overwhelming military might of the Neo-Babylonian forces. It highlights the vast scale of the power brought to bear against Jerusalem, emphasizing that the city's fall was not due to a minor skirmish but a full-scale, determined assault by a dominant empire.
* **"that [were with] the captain of the guard":** This specifies the direct command and authority under which the destruction was carried out. Nebuzaradan, as the _rab-ṭabbâch_ (chief of the imperial guard or executioners), was King Nebuchadnezzar's trusted and highest-ranking agent for implementing the king's punitive will. His presence ensures that the devastation was systematic, deliberate, and executed with the full authority of the Babylonian crown.
* **"brake down the walls of Jerusalem":** This is the core action of the verse, detailing the physical act of demolition. It signifies the end of Jerusalem's physical defenses, rendering it utterly vulnerable to any future attack or occupation. This act was the definitive physical manifestation of the city's defeat and the termination of its status as a fortified capital.
* **"round about":** This crucial phrase indicates the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the destruction. It was not merely a strategic breach or the demolition of a single section; rather, it implies a complete and encircling demolition of the entire defensive perimeter. This detail emphasizes the total defenselessness and humiliation inflicted upon Jerusalem, leaving no part of its protective infrastructure intact.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Symbolism**. The "walls of Jerusalem" are not merely physical barriers; they profoundly symbolize the city's security, its identity as the capital of Judah, and even the nation's perceived invincibility under God's protection. Their demolition thus signifies the complete collapse of national security, sovereignty, and the shattering of any false sense of divine immunity from judgment. The phrase "round about" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or emphatic statement, stressing the exhaustive and total nature of the destruction. It conveys the absolute thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest, leaving no part of the city's defenses intact and underscoring the finality of Judah's defeat. The stark contrast between Jerusalem's former glory and its current state of utter ruin also evokes a deep sense of **Tragedy**, highlighting the devastating consequences of sustained rebellion against God and the fulfillment of His warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The destruction of Jerusalem's walls, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:10](/2_kings/25-10 "2 Kings 25:10 - Destruction of Jerusalem's Walls"), serves as a profound theological statement within the biblical narrative. It is presented not merely as a historical defeat but as the tangible manifestation of God's righteous judgment against Judah for generations of covenant unfaithfulness, widespread idolatry, and pervasive social injustice. This pivotal event underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history, demonstrating that even powerful empires like Babylon were instruments in His divine plan to discipline His people and fulfill His prophetic warnings. The demolition of the walls, once a source of human reliance and pride, exposed the vulnerability of a people who had placed their trust in physical defenses and political alliances rather than in the Lord their God, revealing that true security rests in obedience and faithfulness to the divine covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:52](/deuteronomy/28-52 "Deuteronomy 28:52 - Prophecy of Siege and Destruction")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - God's Wrath on Zion's Fortresses")
* [Jeremiah 39:8](/jeremiah/39-8 "Jeremiah 39:8 - Burning of Jerusalem and its Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The devastating account of Jerusalem's walls being torn down in [2 Kings 25:10](/2_kings/25-10 "2 Kings 25:10 - Destruction of Jerusalem's Walls") offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, there are profound and often painful consequences for persistent disobedience and rebellion against His revealed will. Just as Judah's physical defenses crumbled due to their spiritual decay and unfaithfulness, so too can our lives become vulnerable, exposed, and subject to spiritual or relational breakdown when we neglect our relationship with God, relying instead on our own strength, worldly systems, or false securities. This passage calls us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and whether our lives truly reflect a vibrant, covenant relationship with the Lord. It compels us to acknowledge God's unwavering sovereignty, even in moments of profound loss and desolation, recognizing that His purposes, though sometimes mysterious and painful, are always just and ultimately redemptive. The fall of Jerusalem was not the end of God's story with His people, but a painful turning point designed to bring about repentance, purification, and a deeper, more authentic reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or sources of security (e.g., career, finances, relationships, self-reliance) do I tend to rely on in my life more than God?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's justice and His patience with sin, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "consequences" due to disobedience, and how can I turn back to God for restoration and true security?**
* **How does knowing God's sovereignty, even in devastating events, impact my trust in Him during difficult and uncertain times?**

### FAQ
**Why were the walls of Jerusalem so important, and why was their destruction so significant?**

Answer: The walls of Jerusalem were critically important for both practical defense and profound symbolic significance. Practically, they provided the primary protection against invading armies, allowing the city to withstand sieges and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants. Symbolically, they represented Jerusalem's strength, sovereignty, and its unique status as the capital of Judah and the dwelling place of God's Temple. Their destruction, as described in [2 Kings 25:10](/2_kings/25-10 "2 Kings 25:10 - Destruction of Jerusalem's Walls"), was therefore the ultimate act of conquest and humiliation. It rendered the city utterly defenseless, signaling the complete end of Jewish national independence and the undeniable fulfillment of prophecies concerning God's judgment on a disobedient people. It was a visible and devastating sign that Judah's protective covenant relationship with God had been severely strained and broken by their persistent unfaithfulness.

**Who were the "Chaldees" and the "captain of the guard" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "Chaldees" were the people of Chaldea, a region in southern Mesopotamia, and the term is used interchangeably with "Babylonians" in the biblical text. They constituted the dominant power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who was responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. The "captain of the guard" refers to Nebuzaradan, a high-ranking military officer and chief executioner (or chief of the imperial guard) in Nebuchadnezzar's army. He was the official delegated by Nebuchadnezzar to oversee the final, systematic stages of Jerusalem's destruction, including the burning of the Temple and royal palace ([2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Burning of the Temple and Palace")) and the methodical demolition of its walls, as well as the subsequent deportation of the populace ([2 Kings 25:11](/2_kings/25-11 "2 Kings 25:11 - Deportation to Babylon")).

**What happened to Jerusalem and its people immediately after the walls were broken down?**

Answer: Immediately after the walls were broken down, the systematic destruction of Jerusalem continued and intensified. The Temple, the royal palace, and all the great houses were burned down ([2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Burning of the Temple and Palace")), leaving the city in ruins. Following this, the remaining population, except for the poorest of the land who were left to be vine-dressers and farmers, was systematically deported to Babylon. This mass deportation included the skilled craftsmen, soldiers, and any prominent citizens. King Zedekiah himself had already been captured, forced to witness the execution of his sons, blinded, and taken in chains to Babylon ([2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Fate")). This mass exile, described in [2 Kings 25:11-12](/2_kings/25-11-12 "2 Kings 25:11-12 - The Exile Begins"), marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal and transformative period in Israelite history that lasted for approximately 70 years.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 25:10](/2_kings/25-10 "2 Kings 25:10 - Destruction of Jerusalem's Walls") depicts the devastating physical destruction of Jerusalem, it ultimately points forward to the spiritual and eternal security found exclusively in Christ. The crumbling walls of earthly Jerusalem symbolized the failure of human defenses and the dire consequences of a broken covenant, yet God's redemptive plan did not end in desolation. Just as the prophets foretold a future restoration and the establishment of a new, unbreakable covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), Jesus Christ came to build a spiritual kingdom whose walls are impregnable and whose foundations are eternal. He declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")), contrasting the temporal vulnerability of earthly Jerusalem with the enduring strength and invincibility of His spiritual body. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the spiritual "dividing wall of hostility" that separated God from humanity and Jew from Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), ushering in a new covenant of grace and peace. The ultimate fulfillment of this imagery is found in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, a city with "a great, high wall" but whose true security and illumination are the glory of God and the Lamb, where "its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there" ([Revelation 21:23-25](/revelation/21-23-25 "Revelation 21:23-25 - The New Jerusalem's Glory")). Thus, the physical ruin of Jerusalem's walls tragically foreshadows the spiritual triumph of Christ, who offers true, eternal security and an unshakeable kingdom to all who believe and trust in 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

Nehemiah 1:3

And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

Jeremiah 5:10

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

Jeremiah 52:14

And all the army of the Chaldeans, that [were] with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.

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.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.