2 Kings 25:27

KJV

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the seven {H7651} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of the captivity {H1546} of Jehoiachin {H3078} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} month {H2320}, on the seven {H7651} and twentieth {H6242} day of the month {H2320}, that Evilmerodach {H192} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} in the year {H8141} that he began to reign {H4427} did lift up {H5375} the head {H7218} of Jehoiachin {H3078} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} out of prison {H1004}{H3608};

Complete Jewish Bible

In the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Y'hoyakhin king of Y'hudah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, Eveel-M'rodakh began his reign as king of Bavel; and in his first year he commuted the sentence of Y'hoyakhin king of Y'hudah and released him from prison.

Berean Standard Bible

On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The final verse of 2 Kings, 2 Kings 25:27, delivers an unexpected and profound moment of grace amidst the desolation of Judah's exile. It records the release of Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, from his decades-long imprisonment in Babylon by the newly enthroned King Evil-merodach. This seemingly small act of clemency, occurring after a long period of national judgment and personal suffering, offers a crucial glimmer of hope, subtly affirming God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises even in the darkest of times, and hinting at a future beyond the immediate despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 25:27 serves as the concluding narrative event in the entire book of 2 Kings, and indeed, in the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings). The preceding chapters detail the relentless decline of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, culminating in the horrific siege and destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the final deportation of the people to Babylon. The book ends not with a triumphant return or a clear promise of restoration, but with the people in exile, their land desolate, and their monarchy seemingly extinguished. In this context, Jehoiachin's release, though not a full restoration, provides a vital, albeit subtle, counterpoint to the pervasive despair, preventing the narrative from concluding in utter hopelessness. It is a final, unexpected note that hints at God's continued engagement with His people, even in their lowest state.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiachin ascended the throne of Judah in 598 BC but reigned for only three months and ten days before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in 597 BC. He was then deported to Babylon along with the royal family, court officials, skilled craftsmen, and many prominent citizens, marking the first major wave of the Babylonian exile, as recorded in [2 Kings 24:15](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15 - Jehoiachin's First Deportation"). His uncle, Zedekiah, was installed as a puppet king, whose subsequent rebellion led to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, as described in [2 Kings 25:1-21](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). For 37 years, Jehoiachin languished in a Babylonian prison. The mention of Evil-merodach (Akkadian: Amēl-Marduk) beginning his reign provides a precise historical anchor, dating this event to approximately 561 BC, shortly after Nebuchadnezzar's death. This act of clemency—releasing a defeated king from a vassal state and granting him a regular allowance—was highly unusual for the period, where conquered monarchs were typically executed or kept in harsh confinement. It suggests a shift in Babylonian policy or a personal inclination of the new king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its brevity, resonates with several significant themes. Firstly, it offers a **Glimmer of Hope** in the midst of profound national despair. After chapters detailing judgment and destruction, this unexpected act of mercy suggests that God has not entirely abandoned His people or His promises, even when they are in exile. Secondly, it subtly highlights **Divine Providence**. While Evil-merodach acts according to his own will, the biblical narrative often frames such events as part of God's overarching plan. This unexpected release could be seen as an early, quiet sign that the Lord was beginning to remember His covenant and prepare the way for the eventual return from Babylonian captivity, as foretold by prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). Finally, it underscores the **Enduring Davidic Covenant**. Jehoiachin was a direct descendant of King David. His release and elevation, even while still in exile, subtly reinforces the idea that the royal line was not completely extinguished, upholding the promise of an enduring dynasty made to David in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This act ensures the survival of the royal lineage, which would be crucial for the future hope of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Captivity (Hebrew, _gālût'_):** This term refers to the state of exile, forced displacement, and loss of national sovereignty. In the context of Judah, it signifies the culmination of God's judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, as forewarned by the prophets. The "seven and thirtieth year of the captivity" underscores the long, arduous duration of their punishment, emphasizing the depth of their suffering and the unexpected nature of the subsequent release.
* **Evilmerodach (Akkadian, _Amēl-Marduk'_):** The name means "Man of Marduk," referring to the chief god of Babylon. This identifies the specific Babylonian king who initiated Jehoiachin's release. His identity is historically verifiable, adding a layer of authenticity to the biblical account. The fact that this act of clemency occurred "in the year that he began to reign" suggests it was an early policy decision, perhaps a gesture of goodwill or a re-evaluation of his predecessor's treatment of royal prisoners.
* **Lift up the head (Hebrew, _nāśā' rō'š'_):** This is a significant Hebrew idiom that signifies more than just a physical release from chains. It implies a restoration to favor, a change in status from disgrace to honor, or even a promotion. It is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to denote a positive change in one's circumstances or standing, such as Pharaoh "lifting up the head" of his chief butler (Genesis 40:13) or the "lifting up of the head" of the righteous in judgment (Psalm 3:3). Here, it means Jehoiachin was not merely let out of prison but was given a place of honor, regular provisions, and a degree of freedom, signifying a profound reversal of his fortunes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah":** This precise chronological marker highlights the immense duration of Jehoiachin's imprisonment and, by extension, Judah's exile. Thirty-seven years represents a significant portion of a human lifetime, emphasizing the long period of suffering and the unexpectedness of the change.
* **"in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month":** This further precision in dating underscores the historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping of the biblical author. It roots the event firmly in a specific historical moment, adding to its verifiability and significance.
* **"[that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign":** This clause identifies the new agent of change—the successor to Nebuchadnezzar—and the timing of his action. The fact that it occurred at the very beginning of his reign suggests a deliberate and immediate policy decision on the part of the new king.
* **"did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;":** This is the climactic action of the verse. The idiom "lift up the head" signifies Jehoiachin's release from confinement and his restoration to a position of honor and favor, even while still in Babylon. It marks a dramatic shift from his previous state of disgrace and imprisonment, offering a tangible sign of hope.

#### Literary Devices
The final verse of 2 Kings employs several powerful literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Juxtaposition** as the long, bleak narrative of Judah's decline and destruction is suddenly contrasted with this unexpected act of clemency. The decades of "captivity" are set against the sudden moment when Evil-merodach "did lift up the head." This creates a profound **Irony**, as the book, which has meticulously detailed the consequences of disobedience, ends not with total despair but with a subtle, yet significant, note of grace. The phrase "lift up the head" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just physical release but a restoration of dignity, honor, and a glimmer of future hope for the Davidic line. This act also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the possibility of a future restoration for the exiled people of Judah, even though the full return is not explicitly stated here. The meticulous chronological details lend an air of historical verisimilitude, grounding this symbolic act in concrete time and space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding verse of 2 Kings, though seemingly a minor detail in the grand sweep of history, carries immense theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have been utterly unfaithful and are undergoing severe judgment. The release of Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, ensures the survival of the royal line, subtly affirming that God's promise of an eternal dynasty to David (2 Samuel 7) remains intact, despite the apparent collapse of the monarchy. It underscores that even in the deepest valleys of despair and long periods of divine discipline, God retains the sovereign power to orchestrate unexpected turns of events, often through unlikely human agents, to demonstrate His mercy and lay the groundwork for future redemption. This act of grace, occurring at the very end of a book filled with judgment, provides a crucial anchor of hope, reminding readers that God's ultimate plan for His people extends beyond their present suffering and that His mercies are indeed new every morning.

* [Jeremiah 52:31-34](/jeremiah/52-31 "Jeremiah 52:31-34 - Parallel Account of Jehoiachin's Release")
* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Mercies are New Every Morning")
* [Psalm 102:19-20](/psalms/102-19 "Psalm 102:19-20 - God Hears the Groaning of Prisoners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Jehoiachin's unexpected release from prison, after 37 long years of confinement, offers a profound and enduring message for believers today. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem utterly bleak, when hope has been deferred for what feels like an eternity, and when we are experiencing the consequences of our own or others' failures, God's sovereign hand can still orchestrate surprising acts of grace. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of persistent hope, recognizing that God's timing is perfect and His purposes are often revealed in ways we least expect. It teaches us that even small, seemingly insignificant shifts in our circumstances can be profound indicators of God's continued faithfulness and the unfolding of His larger redemptive plan. Just as Jehoiachin's "lifting up" hinted at a future beyond exile for Judah, so too does God often provide glimpses of His redemptive work in our lives, even when the full restoration is yet to come. It calls us to trust in His steadfast character, knowing that His covenant love endures even through seasons of discipline and despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly small act of mercy at the end of 2 Kings challenge our understanding of God's work in times of despair and long suffering?**
* **In what "prisons" (physical, emotional, spiritual, relational) might God be preparing to "lift up the head" of His people today, bringing unexpected release or favor?**
* **How does Jehoiachin's story encourage us to maintain hope and trust in God's perfect timing, even after long periods of waiting or when His plans are not immediately clear?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jehoiachin and why was he in prison?**

Answer: Jehoiachin was a king of Judah who reigned for a very brief period (three months and ten days) before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, in 597 BC. As a result, he was taken captive and deported to Babylon along with many of Judah's leading citizens, as recorded in [2 Kings 24:15](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15 - Jehoiachin's Deportation"). He remained imprisoned in Babylon for 37 years until his release by Evil-merodach. His imprisonment symbolized the subjugation of Judah and the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy.

**What is the significance of the phrase "did lift up the head of Jehoiachin"?**

Answer: The phrase "did lift up the head" is a significant Hebrew idiom that means more than just a physical release from confinement. It signifies a restoration to favor, a change in status from disgrace to honor, or even a promotion. In Jehoiachin's case, it meant he was not only freed from prison but also granted a position of honor among other kings, provided with a regular allowance, and allowed to eat at the king's table (as detailed in the parallel account in [Jeremiah 52:33-34](/jeremiah/52-33 "Jeremiah 52:33-34 - Jehoiachin's Elevated Status")). This act marked a profound reversal of his fortunes and a public display of favor.

**Why is this verse at the very end of 2 Kings?**

Answer: The placement of this verse at the conclusion of 2 Kings is highly significant. After chronicling centuries of Israel's and Judah's rebellion, the division of the kingdom, and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, the book ends not in utter despair but with a subtle, yet crucial, note of hope. It prevents the narrative from concluding with the complete extinction of the Davidic line or the absolute abandonment of God's people. This unexpected act of clemency for Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, serves as a quiet affirmation of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and a hint that His plans for future restoration are still in motion, even in the darkest moments of exile. It provides a theological bridge to the later books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return from captivity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unexpected "lifting up" of Jehoiachin from his long imprisonment in Babylon, recorded at the very end of 2 Kings, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate and glorious "lifting up" found in Jesus Christ. Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, represents the enduring, though seemingly broken, promise of a Davidic king. His release ensures the continuation of that royal lineage, which ultimately culminates in Jesus, the true Son of David, whose throne is eternal (as prophesied in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, the Son of David")). While Jehoiachin's liberation was from a physical prison, Christ's work offers liberation from the far greater prison of sin and death. Jesus himself was "lifted up" on the cross (as he foretold in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Jesus Lifted Up")), not as a prisoner, but as the atoning sacrifice for humanity. His subsequent resurrection from the grave and ascension to the right hand of the Father (as described in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted at God's Right Hand")) represent the ultimate "lifting up" – a triumph over all spiritual enemies and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Thus, Jehoiachin's story, a small glimmer of hope in a dark age, points forward to the radiant dawn of salvation and the ultimate restoration of all things through the crucified and resurrected Christ, who truly sets the captives free (as promised in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Freedom for the Captives")).

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 52:31

¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,

Jeremiah 52:34

And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

Genesis 40:20

¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Genesis 40:13

Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Kings 24:15

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, [those] carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.