2 Kings 25:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the people {H5971} that were left {H7604} in the city {H5892}, and the fugitives {H5307} that fell away {H5307} to the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, with the remnant {H3499} of the multitude {H1995}, did Nebuzaradan {H5018} the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} carry away {H1540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vuzar'adan the commander of the guard then deported the remaining population of the city, the deserters who had defected to the king of Bavel and the rest of the common people.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population.

American Standard Version

And the residue of the people that were left in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away captive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 25:11 records the final, comprehensive deportation of the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah by Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, following the city's destruction. This includes both those who survived the siege within the city walls and those who had defected to the Babylonian side. The verse marks the grim culmination of God's judgment on Judah, signifying the definitive end of the independent kingdom and the full commencement of the Babylonian Exile for the vast majority of the Jewish people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 25:11 is situated within the climactic final chapter of the book of 2 Kings, which chronicles the complete downfall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Preceding this verse, the narrative details the prolonged siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, the city's eventual breach, the capture and blinding of King Zedekiah ([2 Kings 25:1-7](/2_kings/25-1 "The Siege and Fall of Jerusalem")), and the systematic destruction of the Temple, the royal palace, and all significant buildings by fire ([2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple")). Verse 11, therefore, describes the final act of depopulation, completing the Babylonian conquest and setting the stage for the subsequent appointment of Gedaliah as governor over the few remaining poor people ([2 Kings 25:12](/2_kings/25-12 "Gedaliah Appointed Governor")). It serves as a somber conclusion to the history of the Davidic monarchy in Judah, fulfilling prophecies of exile found throughout the prophetic books.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 25:11 represent the third and most devastating phase of the Babylonian conquest and deportation of Judah. Following earlier deportations in 605 BC (which included Daniel and his companions, as seen in [Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel's Deportation to Babylon")) and 597 BC (which saw King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens exiled, documented in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "Jehoiachin's Exile and the Second Deportation")), this final deportation in 586 BC effectively ended Judah's national sovereignty. Nebuzaradan, identified as the "captain of the guard" (Hebrew: רַב־טַבָּחִים, _rav-tabbāḥîm_), held a powerful position akin to a chief executioner or commander of the imperial bodyguard, indicating the direct and authoritative implementation of Nebuchadnezzar's policy. The forced removal of an entire population was a common imperial strategy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire to suppress rebellion, dismantle national identity, and integrate conquered peoples into their vast economic and administrative system.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to 2 Kings and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Total Devastation and Comprehensive Judgment** upon Judah. The inclusion of "the rest of the people... left in the city" (survivors of famine, disease, and warfare) and "the fugitives that fell away" (those who had surrendered or defected to the Babylonians, hoping for clemency) emphasizes that virtually no one was spared from the exile, demonstrating the thoroughness of God's judgment. Secondly, it serves as a stark **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. The tragic events described are a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant, as repeatedly warned by prophets like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). The exile was not arbitrary but a divinely ordained discipline, illustrating God's unwavering **Sovereignty and Justice** in holding His people accountable. Finally, it marks the **End of an Era** for the independent kingdom of Judah, initiating the pivotal period of the Babylonian Exile, which profoundly shaped Israelite identity and theology for generations to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fugitives that fell away (Hebrew, _hannoflim_):** This term (הַנֹּפְלִים) literally means "those who fell" or "the deserters." It refers specifically to those inhabitants of Jerusalem who, during the prolonged and desperate siege, chose to surrender or defect to the Babylonian forces. This was often done in the hope of receiving more lenient treatment or simply to escape the certain death by famine, disease, or sword within the besieged city. The text's inclusion of them alongside "the rest of the people" underscores the comprehensive nature of the deportation: even those who sought to escape judgment by aligning with the enemy ultimately shared the same fate of exile.
* **Nebuzaradan (Hebrew, _Nəḇūzarʾaḏān_):** This name (נְבוּזַרְאֲדָן) identifies the specific Babylonian official responsible for carrying out the final destruction and deportation. His title, "captain of the guard" (רַב־טַבָּחִים, _rav-tabbāḥîm_), is significant. While often translated as "captain of the guard," it literally means "chief of the slaughterers" or "chief butcher," indicating his role as the commander of the royal bodyguard and, more grimly, the chief executioner. His presence signifies the full, brutal authority of the Babylonian empire and the finality of its conquest. He was the one directly tasked by Nebuchadnezzar with overseeing the dismantling of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city":** This phrase refers to the survivors of the siege within Jerusalem. These were the individuals who had endured the extreme hardships of famine, disease, and the relentless warfare that characterized the final stages of the Babylonian assault. They represent the last remnants of the population who had not yet died or been previously deported.
* **"and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon":** This clause specifically identifies those who had abandoned Jerusalem and surrendered to the Babylonian forces during the siege. These individuals had likely hoped to secure their lives or better conditions by defecting. Their inclusion here emphasizes that their defection did not spare them from the ultimate fate of exile; they, too, were swept away in the comprehensive judgment.
* **"with the remnant of the multitude":** This phrase serves as a further amplification, emphasizing the totality of the deportation. It reiterates that virtually every surviving person, regardless of their status or actions during the siege, was included in this final removal from the land. It highlights the complete depopulation of the city and surrounding areas.
* **"did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.":** This final clause identifies the agent of this mass deportation, Nebuzaradan, and the decisive action taken. "Carry away" (הִגְלָה, _higlāh_) is the standard term for forced exile or deportation. This signifies the authoritative and complete execution of Babylon's policy, bringing an end to Judah's national existence in the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of Judah's fate. **Totalization** is evident in the comprehensive description of those deported: "the rest of the people... left," "the fugitives that fell away," and "the remnant of the multitude." This cumulative language emphasizes that virtually no one was spared from the exile, highlighting the thoroughness of the judgment. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the fate of "the fugitives that fell away." These individuals, who sought safety and clemency by deserting their people and surrendering to the enemy, ultimately shared the same dire fate of exile as those who remained in the besieged city. Their attempt to escape the immediate consequences proved futile in the face of the overarching judgment. The verse also functions as a **Climactic Statement**, serving as the final, definitive act in the narrative of Judah's downfall, bringing the long history of the Davidic kingdom to a devastating close. The stark, factual reporting of the deportation, devoid of emotional commentary, lends a sense of cold, unyielding **Realism** to the narrative, underscoring the harsh reality of divine judgment and imperial conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 25:11 stands as a profound theological statement on the consequences of sustained disobedience and the unwavering nature of God's covenant. While a moment of immense national tragedy, it is not presented as an arbitrary act but as the culmination of divine judgment, meticulously foretold by prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. This event underscores that God's covenant with Israel included both blessings for obedience and severe curses for rebellion, demonstrating His justice and faithfulness to His own declared word. The exile served as a painful, yet ultimately redemptive, period of purification for the nation, stripping away their idolatry and forcing a re-evaluation of their relationship with Yahweh. It was a necessary, albeit bitter, lesson in the sovereignty of God over nations and His intolerance for persistent sin among His chosen people.

* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy's Prophecy of Foreign Invasion and Siege")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations on Judah's Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in 2 Kings 25:11 is a somber reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from persistent spiritual rebellion and national disobedience to God's commands. It challenges us to consider the gravity of sin and the reality of divine judgment, reminding us that God is not mocked and His warnings are not idle threats. The fact that even "fugitives" who sought to escape shared the same fate underscores that no one can ultimately evade the consequences of a collective departure from God's ways. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful call to heed God's Word, to cultivate personal and corporate holiness, and to prioritize faithfulness to His covenant above all else. While we live under the grace of the New Covenant, the principles of God's justice and His desire for His people's obedience remain constant. This historical account encourages us to examine our own lives and our communities for any areas of compromise or rebellion, urging us towards repentance and a renewed commitment to walking in God's ways, trusting that even in discipline, His ultimate purpose is redemptive and just.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of this judgment challenge our assumptions about escaping consequences for personal or corporate sin?**
* **What lessons can modern believers draw from Judah's persistent disobedience and the resulting exile regarding the importance of heeding prophetic warnings?**
* **In what ways might God's discipline, even severe, ultimately serve a redemptive purpose in our lives or communities, leading to spiritual purification and renewed focus?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the fugitives that fell away"?**

Answer: "The fugitives that fell away" refers to those inhabitants of Jerusalem who, during the prolonged and devastating siege by the Babylonians, chose to desert the city and surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar's forces. This was a desperate act, often motivated by the hope of survival, clemency, or simply escaping the horrific conditions of famine, disease, and warfare within the besieged city. The prophet Jeremiah had actually advised King Zedekiah and the people to surrender to the Babylonians to save their lives and the city ([Jeremiah 38:17-18](/jeremiah/38-17 "Jeremiah's Counsel to King Zedekiah to Surrender")), but many resisted. Despite their attempt to secure safety by defecting, 2 Kings 25:11 shows that they ultimately shared the same fate of exile as the rest of the surviving population, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian conquest and the judgment.

**What was the significance of Nebuzaradan's role in this event?**

Answer: Nebuzaradan was the "captain of the guard" (Hebrew: _rav-tabbāḥîm_), a high-ranking and powerful official in the Babylonian military, often understood as the chief executioner or commander of the royal bodyguard. His presence and direct involvement in carrying out the deportation underscore the official, authoritative, and thorough nature of the conquest. He was not merely a general but the one personally tasked by King Nebuchadnezzar II with overseeing the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the systematic removal of its remaining population. His role signifies the finality and ruthlessness of the Babylonian judgment against Judah.

**Was this the only deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon?**

Answer: No, this was the third and final major deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon. The first deportation occurred in 605 BC, when King Nebuchadnezzar first asserted control over Judah, taking some of the royal family and nobles, including Daniel and his companions ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel's Deportation to Babylon")). The second major deportation took place in 597 BC, after King Jehoiachin's brief reign, when Nebuchadnezzar exiled Jehoiachin, his family, and many of the leading citizens, craftsmen, and soldiers to Babylon ([2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "The Second Deportation under Jehoiachin")). The deportation described in 2 Kings 25:11, following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, was the most comprehensive, effectively ending the independent kingdom of Judah and initiating the main period of the Babylonian Exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The devastating exile described in 2 Kings 25:11, while a testament to God's righteous judgment against sin, also profoundly points forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The exile highlights humanity's persistent inability to keep covenant with God and the catastrophic consequences that flow from such rebellion, leading to separation from God's presence and land. In this sense, the physical exile of Judah foreshadows the spiritual exile of all humanity from God due to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")). Jesus Christ, the true Israel and the perfect Son, uniquely fulfills the covenant where Israel failed. He embodies the faithful remnant, enduring the ultimate "exile" and separation from God on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), bearing the full weight of divine judgment that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for a spiritual "return from exile," bringing believers out of the bondage of sin and alienation into a restored relationship with God, establishing a new and eternal covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of the New Covenant") fulfilled in [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "The New Covenant Foretold")). He is the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus Prophesies the Destruction and Rebuilding of the Temple")), the ultimate dwelling place of God, making physical temples and lands secondary to His indwelling presence. Thus, the desolation of Judah and the subsequent return from Babylon ultimately point to the glorious spiritual restoration found only in Christ, who gathers His people from every nation into His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more sorrow, no more exile, and no more separation from God ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling Place is with Man")).

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

Ezekiel 22:15

And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

Ezekiel 22:16

And thou shalt take thine inheritance in thyself in the sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Ezekiel 5:2

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

Jeremiah 52:12

¶ Now in the fifth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, which [was] the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, [which] served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem,

Ezekiel 12:15

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.