2 Kings 25:20

And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

And Nebuzaradan {H5018} captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} took {H3947} these, and brought {H3212} them to the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} to Riblah {H7247}:

N'vuzar'adan the commander of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Bavel in Rivlah.

Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.

And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.

Commentary

2 Kings 25:20 describes a critical moment in the final downfall of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically detailing the actions of the Babylonian military leader Nebuzaradan. This verse highlights the complete subjugation of Judah to the Babylonian Empire, as key captives are brought before the king for judgment.

Context

This verse is situated at the very end of the book of 2 Kings, chronicling the devastating aftermath of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. After the city's walls were breached and the Temple was destroyed (2 Kings 25:9), Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard (chief executioner or commander of the imperial bodyguard), was responsible for managing the spoils and the captives. "These" refers to the high-ranking officials and priests mentioned in the preceding verses (2 Kings 25:18-19), including the chief priest, the second priest, and three doorkeepers, along with other prominent citizens. They were taken to Riblah, a significant location in the land of Hamath, which served as Nebuchadnezzar's military headquarters and a place where he often rendered judgment, as seen in previous episodes of Judah's kings being judged there (2 Kings 23:33).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse underscores the finality of God's judgment upon Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience. The exile to Babylon was a direct fulfillment of warnings delivered by prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11).
  • Babylonian Authority and Ruthlessness: Nebuzaradan's actions demonstrate the absolute power and control exercised by the Babylonian Empire. The journey of these captives to Riblah signifies the complete loss of Judah's sovereignty and the imposition of foreign rule.
  • Consequences of Sin: The fate of these leaders, soon to be executed (as revealed in the next verse, 2 Kings 25:21), serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that follow prolonged rebellion against God's covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The name Nebuzaradan (Hebrew: ื ึฐื‘ื•ึผื–ึทืจึฐืึฒื“ึธืŸ, Nษ™แธ‡ลซzaraแธฤn) is Babylonian, likely meaning "Nabu has given a seed" or "Nabu is the provider of offspring," reflecting the common practice of naming individuals after deities. His title, "captain of the guard," indicates a high-ranking military official responsible for the king's personal security and often for carrying out sensitive or severe commands, including executions.

Practical Application

While detailing a historical event of immense sorrow, 2 Kings 25:20 reminds us of the principle that actions have consequences, both for individuals and nations. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, even in times of seeming defeat for His people, as He uses even pagan empires to accomplish His purposes of judgment and purification. For believers today, it serves as a sober warning against spiritual complacency and a call to faithful adherence to God's commands, recognizing that He is just and righteous in all His ways.

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Cross-References

  • Lamentations 4:16

    The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

  • 2 Kings 23:33

    And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

  • Jeremiah 52:26

    So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.

  • Jeremiah 52:27

    And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive out of his own land.