2 Kings 25:6

So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

So they took {H8610} the king {H4428}, and brought him up {H5927} to the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} to Riblah {H7247}; and they gave {H1696} judgment {H4941} upon him.

Then they took the king and brought him up to the king of Bavel in Rivlah, where they passed judgment on him.

The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him.

Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

Commentary

2 Kings 25:6 describes a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Judah: the capture and sentencing of its last king, Zedekiah, by the conquering Babylonian forces.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of the final days of the Kingdom of Judah and the devastating Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. King Zedekiah had ascended to the throne as a vassal of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon but later rebelled, breaking his oath of allegiance (2 Kings 24:20). After Jerusalem fell and its walls were breached, Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured in the plains of Jericho. He was then brought to Riblah, a strategic military headquarters for Nebuchadnezzar in the land of Hamath. This location served as a base for Babylonian operations against rebellious territories, making it the ideal place for the Babylonian king to deliver his judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Zedekiah's capture and severe sentencing exemplify the dire consequences of rebellion against a sworn covenant, and more profoundly, against God's repeated warnings delivered through prophets like Jeremiah. The fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile were God's judgment on Judah's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: While executed by human hands, the events of this chapter underscore God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and kings. The "judgment" given to Zedekiah was part of God's overarching plan to discipline His people, fulfilling prophecies concerning the Babylonian exile.
  • End of an Era: This verse marks the definitive end of the independent Davidic monarchy in Judah, leading to a long period of foreign domination and the Babylonian captivity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "they gave judgment upon him" (Hebrew: ื•ึทื™ึฐื“ึทื‘ึฐึผืจื•ึผ ืึนืชื•ึน ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜, *vaydabberu oto mishpat*) indicates a formal legal process or a pronouncement of sentence. The word mishpat (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜) here refers to a judicial decision or a verdict, emphasizing the official nature of the proceedings, even if it was a summary judgment by the conquering power. It was not a trial for justice in the modern sense but a pronouncement of punishment for his perceived treason against Babylon.

Practical Application

The fate of King Zedekiah serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness, both to human agreements and to God's divine will. It highlights that actions have consequences, and disregard for God's warnings can lead to severe outcomes. Even in what appears to be a purely political or military defeat, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's hand at work, fulfilling His purposes and exercising His justice. This passage encourages reflection on our own faithfulness and the potential repercussions of rebellion against established authority or divine principles. The tragic end of Zedekiah, including the execution of his sons and his own blinding, further underscores the severity of the judgment.

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Cross-References

  • 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 34:21

    And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

  • Jeremiah 34:22

    Behold, I will command, saith the LORD, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.

  • Jeremiah 38:23

    So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

  • Ezekiel 21:25

    And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

  • Ezekiel 21:27

    I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no [more], until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [him].

  • Jeremiah 32:4

    And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;