2 Kings 25:22

KJV

¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as for the people {H5971} that remained {H7604} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, whom Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} had left {H7604}, even over them he made Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296}, the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, ruler {H6485}.

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vukhadnetzar king of Babylon appointed G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, governor over the people remaining behind in the land of Y'hudah after he left.

Berean Standard Bible

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah.

American Standard Version

And as for the people that were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, and the subsequent mass deportation of the Judean elite to Babylon, 2 Kings 25:22 details the establishment of a new, albeit fragile, administrative order in the desolated land of Judah. This verse specifically records King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon's decision to appoint Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, as governor over the remaining, largely impoverished and non-deported, population. This appointment represents a pivotal, yet ultimately tragic, attempt to maintain a semblance of control and continuity in the aftermath of national devastation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic and devastating account of Jerusalem's final siege, the burning of the Temple, the royal palace, and all significant buildings, and the systematic dismantling of the city walls (2 Kings 25:8-10). It also comes after the detailed description of the mass deportation of the remaining population, including the skilled craftsmen, soldiers, and prominent citizens, to Babylon (2 Kings 25:11). Thus, 2 Kings 25:22 marks a transition from the narrative of destruction and exile to the precarious existence of the few who were left behind, setting the stage for the brief and ill-fated administration of Gedaliah, which is further elaborated upon in the following verses and extensively in the book of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar's policy of appointing a local governor over a conquered territory, especially one as devastated as Judah, was a common imperial strategy. Rather than installing a Babylonian official, which might have provoked further unrest, choosing a native leader could foster a sense of stability and cooperation, while still ensuring Babylonian control. Gedaliah's family, specifically his father Ahikam and grandfather Shaphan, were prominent figures known for their wisdom and for having protected the prophet Jeremiah during earlier periods of persecution, as seen in [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah"). This lineage likely made Gedaliah a palatable choice for both the Babylonians, who saw him as reliable, and the remaining Judeans, who might have viewed him with some trust.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the books of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the significant concept of the **remnant**, emphasizing that even after severe judgment and widespread destruction, a portion of God's people is preserved in the land, maintaining a physical link to the covenant promises. It also illustrates the **Babylonian administration's** pragmatic approach to governing its vast empire, showcasing their strategy of indirect rule through local intermediaries. Furthermore, amidst the profound national disaster and divine judgment for Judah's persistent sin, God's **sovereignty** is subtly affirmed, as the preservation of this remnant and the appointment of a leader, however temporary, speaks to God's continued, albeit often mysterious, involvement with His people, even through their suffering. This brief period under Gedaliah, though short-lived, offered a fleeting moment of stability and the possibility of rebuilding, as detailed in [Jeremiah 40:5-6](/jeremiah/40-5 "Jeremiah 40:5-6 - Jeremiah Joins Gedaliah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remained (Hebrew, _sha'ar_):** This word, derived from the verb שָׁאַר (sha'ar), meaning "to be left over" or "to remain," is crucial. It signifies the small portion of the population that escaped deportation, typically the poorest and weakest who were deemed of no economic or strategic value to Babylon. The concept of a "remnant" is a significant theological motif throughout the Old Testament, often carrying connotations of divine preservation amidst judgment, a faithful few through whom God's covenant promises will ultimately be fulfilled.
* **Ruler (Hebrew, _paqid_):** The Hebrew term פָּקִיד (paqid) denotes an "appointed official," "overseer," or "governor." This title clearly indicates Gedaliah's subordinate status; he was not a king or a sovereign leader, but rather an administrator appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to manage the affairs of the conquered territory on behalf of the Babylonian empire. His authority was derived entirely from Babylon, underscoring Judah's complete subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah":** This clause immediately shifts the narrative's focus from the grand events of destruction and exile to the specific, smaller group of individuals who were not taken captive. It emphasizes their continued presence in the devastated land, highlighting the concept of a surviving population, a remnant, however small or insignificant they might appear.
* **"whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left":** This phrase directly attributes the decision to leave this segment of the population in Judah to the Babylonian monarch. It underscores Nebuchadnezzar's absolute authority and strategic control over the conquered territory, indicating that the presence of these people was not accidental but a deliberate policy choice by the occupying power.
* **"even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler":** This final clause details the specific administrative action taken by Nebuchadnezzar. The appointment of Gedaliah, whose lineage is meticulously provided (son of Ahikam, grandson of Shaphan), signifies a deliberate choice of a local, respected figure to govern. This act aimed to establish order and facilitate control over the remaining population, marking the beginning of a new, albeit brief and tragic, chapter in Judah's history.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle **literary devices**. The abrupt shift in focus from the grand scale of national destruction to the specific details of a small, remaining population and their new leader creates a sense of **contrast**, highlighting the stark reality of Judah's diminished state. The mention of Gedaliah's lineage (son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan) serves as an **allusion** to his family's prior prominence and their known association with the prophet Jeremiah, lending a degree of credibility and familiarity to his appointment for the original audience. Furthermore, the very act of appointing a "ruler" over a "remnant" after such devastation can be seen as a form of **irony**, as it represents a fragile, temporary semblance of order in a land utterly broken, subtly **foreshadowing** the instability and tragic end that awaited this brief administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 25:22, despite its brevity, is deeply significant from a theological perspective. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the midst of severe judgment and apparent abandonment. The preservation of a "remnant" in the land, though small and vulnerable, demonstrates God's sovereign hand at work, ensuring that the lineage and presence necessary for the future fulfillment of His promises would not be entirely extinguished. This act, orchestrated through the actions of a pagan king, illustrates how God can use even foreign powers to accomplish His divine purposes, maintaining a thread of continuity for His people. It also highlights the theme of hope amidst desolation, however fleeting, as the appointment of Gedaliah offered a chance for rebuilding and a return to some semblance of normalcy, even under foreign dominion.

* [Jeremiah 40:7-12](/jeremiah/40-7 "Jeremiah 40:7-12 - Gedaliah's Encouragement to the Remnant")
* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel Shall Return")
* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation and Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that even in the most desolate and seemingly hopeless circumstances, God's purposes continue to unfold. The preservation of a remnant in Judah, against all odds, speaks to God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people, even when they face the consequences of their disobedience. It challenges us to look for God's hand at work in the aftermath of personal or collective devastation, recognizing that He often preserves a "remnant" – whether it be a flicker of faith, a core group of believers, or a foundational truth – through which new beginnings can emerge. It also highlights the importance of leadership, even in constrained situations, and the responsibility that comes with it, as Gedaliah was given a chance to guide his people toward stability. Ultimately, this passage encourages resilience and hope, affirming that even when human plans fail and empires rise and fall, God's ultimate plan for redemption remains steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "remnant" in this verse speak to God's faithfulness even in times of severe judgment or personal failure?**
* **In what ways might we see God's sovereign hand at work through unexpected or even seemingly negative circumstances in our own lives or in the world today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Gedaliah's appointment about leadership in difficult or constrained environments?**
* **How does this historical account encourage us to maintain hope and look for new beginnings, even after significant loss or devastation?**

### FAQ
**Who was Gedaliah and why was he chosen as ruler?**

Answer: Gedaliah was the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, a prominent and respected Judean family. His father, Ahikam, was known for protecting the prophet Jeremiah (see [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam Protects Jeremiah")). Gedaliah himself was likely a trusted figure among the remaining Judeans and, crucially, was seen as reliable by the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar chose him as ruler, or governor (_paqid_), over the remnant in Judah as a strategic move to establish a semblance of order and control over the devastated territory without having to install a Babylonian official, which might have provoked further resistance. His appointment aimed to facilitate the collection of tribute and maintain stability.

**What happened to the "remnant" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "people that remained" were the poorest and weakest of the Judean population, left behind after the main deportations. Under Gedaliah's brief rule, they were encouraged to settle, cultivate the land, and serve the king of Babylon (as detailed in [Jeremiah 40:7-10](/jeremiah/40-7 "Jeremiah 40:7-10 - Gedaliah's Counsel to the Remnant")). However, Gedaliah's administration was tragically short-lived. He was assassinated by Ishmael, a member of the royal family, along with many others, leading to a final scattering of the remaining Jews, who, fearing Babylonian reprisal, fled to Egypt (see [2 Kings 25:25-26](/2_kings/25-25 "2 Kings 25:25-26 - Gedaliah's Assassination and Final Dispersion") and [Jeremiah 41:1-3](/jeremiah/41-1 "Jeremiah 41:1-3 - Ishmael Kills Gedaliah")).

**Why did Nebuchadnezzar leave anyone in the land after such devastation?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's decision to leave a portion of the population, specifically the poorest, in Judah was a pragmatic imperial strategy. The land was valuable for agriculture and resources, and leaving a small, manageable population allowed for its continued cultivation and the extraction of tribute, preventing the territory from becoming a complete wasteland. It also served to maintain a minimal administrative presence without expending excessive Babylonian resources on direct occupation, while still ensuring that Judah remained firmly under Babylonian control.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The appointment of Gedaliah over the remnant in 2 Kings 25:22, though a tragic and temporary measure, subtly foreshadows the ultimate divine preservation of a remnant and the establishment of a perfect, eternal ruler in Christ. Just as Gedaliah was chosen to govern a scattered and broken people, Jesus Christ is the divinely appointed King and Shepherd over the spiritual remnant—those who respond to God's call and are gathered into His kingdom. While Gedaliah's rule was earthly, limited, and ended in assassination and further dispersion, Christ's reign is heavenly, eternal, and brings ultimate unity and salvation. The concept of the "remnant" finds its truest fulfillment not in a physical group left in a desolate land, but in the spiritual Israel, the church, comprised of those from every nation who believe in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the ultimate leader, unlike Gedaliah, who does not merely manage a conquered territory but reigns over a people redeemed by His own sacrifice, bringing them into an everlasting covenant and a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Through Christ, the true "remnant" finds not a fleeting hope in a devastated land, but eternal life and a secure inheritance in the presence of God ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")).

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 39:14

Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Chronicles 34:20

And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,

Jeremiah 26:24

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

Jeremiah 41:2

Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

Jeremiah 40:5

Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

Jeremiah 40:12

Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.