TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
Complete Jewish Bible
But the army of the Kasdim went in pursuit of the king and overtook him on the plains near Yericho; all his troops deserted him.
Berean Standard Bible
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him.
American Standard Version
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
World English Bible Messianic
But the army of the Kasdim pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the armie of the Caldees pursued after the King, and tooke him in the desertes of Iericho, and all his hoste was scattered from him.
Young's Literal Translation
And the force of the Chaldeans pursue after the king, and overtake him in the plains of Jericho, and all his force have been scattered from him;
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In the KJVVerse 10,228 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Kings 25 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.
2 And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.
3 And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.
4 And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.
5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
6 So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.
7 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.
We left king Zedekiah in rebellion against the king of Babylon (Kg2 24:20), contriving and endeavouring to shake off his yoke, when he was no way able to do it, nor took the right method by making God his friend first. Now here we have an account of the fatal consequences of that attempt.
I. The king of Babylon's army laid siege to Jerusalem, Kg2 25:1. What should hinder them when the country was already in their possession? Kg2 24:2. They built forts against the city round about, whence, by such arts of war as they then had, they battered it, sent into it instruments of death, and kept out of it the necessary supports of life. Formerly Jerusalem had been compassed with the favour of God as with a shield, but now their defence had departed from them and their enemies surrounded them on every side. Those that by sin have provoked God to leave them will find that innumerable evils will compass them about. Two years this siege lasted; at first the army retired, for fear of the king of Egypt (Jer 37:11), but, finding him not so powerful as they thought, they soon returned, with a resolution not to quit the city till they had made themselves masters of it.
II. During this siege the famine prevailed (Kg2 25:3), so that for a long time they ate their bread by weight and with care, Eze 4:16. Thus they were punished for their gluttony and excess, their fulness of bread and feeding themselves without fear. At length there was no bread for the people of the land, that is, the common people, the soldiers, whereby they were weakened and rendered unfit for service. Now they ate their own children for want of food. See this foretold by one prophet (Eze 5:10) and bewailed by another, Lam 4:3, etc. Jeremiah earnestly persuaded the king to surrender (Jer 38:17), but his heart was hardened to his destruction.
III. At length the city was taken by storm: it was broken up, Kg2 25:4. The besiegers made a breach in the wall, at which they forced their way into it. The besieged, unable any longer to defend it, endeavoured to quit it, and make the best of their way; and many, no doubt, were put to the sword, the victorious army being much exasperated by their obstinacy.
IV. The king, his family, and all his great men, made their escape in the night, by some secret passages which the besiegers either had not discovered or did not keep their eye upon, Kg2 25:4. But those as much deceive themselves who think to escape God's judgments as those who think to brave them; the feet of him that flees from them will as surely fail as the hands of him that fights against them. When God judges he will overcome. Intelligence was given to the Chaldeans of the king's flight, and which way he had gone, so that they soon overtook him, Kg2 25:5. His guards were scattered from him, every man shifting for his own safety. Had he put himself under God's protection, that would not have failed him now. He presently fell into the enemies' hands, and here we are told what they did with him. 1. He was brought to the king of Babylon, and tried by a council of war for rebelling against him who set him up, and to whom he had sworn fidelity. God and man had a quarrel with him for this; see Eze 17:16, etc. The king of Babylon now lay at Riblah (which lay between Judea and Babylon), that he might be ready to give orders both to his court at home and his army abroad. 2. His sons were slain before his eyes, though children, that this doleful spectacle, the last his eyes were to behold, might leave an impression of grief and horror upon his spirit as long as he lived. In slaying his sons, they showed their indignation at his falsehood, and in effect declared that neither he nor any of his were fit to be trusted, and therefore that they were not fit to live. 3. His eyes were put out, by which he was deprived of that common comfort of human life which is given even to those that are in misery, and to the bitter in soul, the light of the sun, by which he was also disabled for any service. He dreaded being mocked, and therefore would not be persuaded to yield (Jer 38:19), but that which he feared came upon him with a witness, and no doubt added much to his misery; for, as those that are deaf suspect that every body talks of them, so those that are blind suspect that every body laughs at them. By this two prophecies that seemed to contradict one another were both fulfilled. Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should be brought to Babylon, Jer 32:5; Jer 34:3. Ezekiel prophesied that he should not see Babylon, Eze 12:13. He was brought thither, but, his eyes being put out, he did not see it. Thus he ended his days, before he ended his life. 4. He was bound in fetters of brass and so carried to Babylon. He that was blind needed not be bound (his blindness fettered him), but, for his greater disgrace, they led him bound; only, whereas common malefactors are laid in irons (Psa 105:18; Psa 107:10), he, being a prince, was bound with fetters of brass; but that the metal was somewhat nobler and lighter was little comfort, while still he was in fetters. Let it not seem strange if those that have been held in the cords of iniquity come to be thus held in the cords of affliction, Job 36:8.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Cyril of JerusalemAD 386
Catechetical Lecture 2:17-19
What think you of Nebuchadnezzar? Have you not heard from Scripture that he was bloodthirsty, fierce, with the disposition of a lion? Have you not heard that he disinterred the kings? Have you not heard that he brought the people away into captivity? Have you not heard that he put the king’s sons to the sword before Zedekiah’s eyes and then blinded him? Have you not heard that he shattered the cherubim? I do not mean the invisible cherubim—it is blasphemy to think it—but the sculptured images and the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, from the midst of which God was apt to speak with his voice. He trampled on the veil of sanctification, he took the censer and carried it away to a temple of idols; he seized all the offerings; he burned the temple to its foundations. What punishment did he not deserve for slaying kings, for burning the holy object, for reducing the people to captivity, for putting the sacred vessels in the temples of the idols? Did he not deserve ten thousand deaths?You have seen the enormity of his crimes. Turn now to the loving-kindness of God. Nebuchadnezzar was turned into a wild beast; he dwelled in the wilderness; God scourged him to save him. He had claws like a lion’s, for he had preyed on the saints. He had a lion’s mane, for he had been a ravening, roaring lion. He ate grass like an ox, for he had behaved like a brute beast, not knowing him who had given him his kingdom. His body was drenched with dew, because, after seeing the fire quenched by the dew, he had not believed. And what happened? Afterwards he says, “I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes to heaven … and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and glorified him who lives forever.” When therefore he acknowledged the Most High, and uttered words of thanksgiving to God, and repented of his past wickedness and recognized his own weakness, in that hour God restored to him his royal dignity.
What then? If God granted pardon and a kingdom to Nebuchadnezzar after such terrible crimes, when he had made confession, will he not grant you the remission of your sins if you repent and the kingdom of heaven if you live worthily? God is merciful and quick to forgiveness but slow to vengeance. Therefore let no one despair of salvation. Peter, the chief and foremost of the apostles, denied the Lord thrice before a little serving maid; but, moved to repentance, he wept bitterly. His weeping revealed his heartfelt repentance, and for that reason not only did he receive pardon for his denial but also retained his apostolic prerogative.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
This verse vividly recounts the climactic and tragic capture of King Zedekiah by the relentless Babylonian army in the historically resonant plains of Jericho. It signifies the definitive end of the Kingdom of Judah's independence, the collapse of the Davidic monarchy's direct rule, and the commencement of the Babylonian exile for its leadership. This pivotal event serves as a stark culmination of Judah's persistent rebellion against God and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings, symbolizing the nation's profound spiritual and political downfall.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 25:5 employs several potent literary devices to amplify its theological and historical weight. Foremost is the profound Irony of Zedekiah's capture in the "plains of Jericho." This location, historically significant as the entry point for Israel into the Promised Land under Joshua, a place of miraculous divine intervention and the initial triumph of God's people, now becomes the site of their king's capture and the symbolic exit from the land. This reversal of fortune underscores the tragic consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness. The scattering of Zedekiah's army also serves as powerful Symbolism for the complete disintegration of the kingdom itself. Just as the army, the very embodiment of national defense, is broken and dispersed, so too is the nation of Judah about to be scattered in exile. Furthermore, the relentless pursuit and inevitable capture of Zedekiah foreshadow his ultimate, tragic fate detailed in 2 Kings 25:6-7, where his sons are executed and his own eyes are put out. This swift and decisive capture sets the stage for the graphic depiction of the final, brutal judgment upon the last king of Judah.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The capture of King Zedekiah in 2 Kings 25:5 stands as a profound theological statement within the Deuteronomistic history. It is not merely a historical account of military defeat but a vivid demonstration of God's sovereign control over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, both its blessings and its curses. This event is the culmination of centuries of prophetic warnings, illustrating that persistent disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of divine counsel inevitably lead to divine judgment. Zedekiah's desperate flight and subsequent capture underscore the futility of human efforts to escape God's decreed will when a nation has strayed so far from His path. It serves as a powerful reminder that God holds even kings and kingdoms accountable, fulfilling His word even through the actions of pagan empires like Babylon.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic account of Zedekiah's capture in 2 Kings 25:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that ignoring divine warnings and persisting in rebellion, whether personal or corporate, carries severe consequences. Zedekiah's refusal to heed the prophet Jeremiah's counsel, which was God's very word to him, led to his downfall and the devastation of his kingdom. This narrative challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and obedience, diligently seeking and submitting to God's revealed will, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It underscores the reality of God's justice and sovereignty, reminding us that He is actively involved in human history, bringing about His purposes even through seemingly adverse circumstances. While this passage highlights judgment, it also implicitly calls us to repentance and faithfulness, recognizing that God's ultimate desire is for His people to walk in righteousness and experience His blessings, not His discipline.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Zedekiah captured specifically in the plains of Jericho?
Answer: Zedekiah's capture in the plains of Jericho carries profound symbolic weight. Geographically, it was a logical place for the Babylonians to intercept a fleeing party attempting to reach the Jordan Valley from Jerusalem. However, biblically, Jericho was the first city in the Promised Land conquered by the Israelites under Joshua, marking their triumphant entry and the beginning of their inheritance (Joshua 6). For the last king of Judah to be captured at this very location signifies a tragic reversal of fortune. It symbolizes the end of Israel's independent national existence in the land, a bitter "exit" mirroring the glorious "entry" centuries before, and underscores the fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience, leading to exile from the land God had given them (Deuteronomy 28:63-68).
What was Zedekiah's ultimate fate after his capture?
Answer: After being captured in the plains of Jericho, Zedekiah was brought before King Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he faced a severe judgment. In a horrific display of retribution, his sons were executed before his very eyes. Immediately after witnessing this, Zedekiah himself was blinded, preventing him from ever seeing again, a cruel and final image of his sons' demise. He was then bound in bronze chains and taken as a prisoner to Babylon, where he remained until his death (2 Kings 25:7). This brutal fate served as a stark warning against rebellion and fulfilled numerous prophecies regarding the end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule in Judah.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of 2 Kings 25:5, depicting the utter failure of human kingship and the devastating consequences of national rebellion against God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive reversal in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah, a king who failed to heed divine warnings and led his people into exile, stands in stark contrast to Jesus, the true and faithful King, who perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). While Zedekiah's army scattered from him in his moment of defeat, Jesus, through His sacrificial death, gathers a new army of believers from every nation, uniting them under His eternal reign (John 12:32). The judgment that fell upon Judah for its sin, culminating in exile, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that Christ bore on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His suffering and "exile" from the Father's presence on the cross paved the way for a new covenant, offering forgiveness and restoration to all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a righteous King who would truly deliver His people, not into earthly freedom, but into eternal life and an everlasting kingdom (Jeremiah 33:15-16; Hebrews 8:6). In Christ, the brokenness symbolized by Zedekiah's capture is overcome by the triumph of God's redemptive plan.