2 Kings 25:7

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.

And they slew {H7819} the sons {H1121} of Zedekiah {H6667} before his eyes {H5869}, and put out {H5786} the eyes {H5869} of Zedekiah {H6667}, and bound {H631} him with fetters {H5178} of brass {H5178}, and carried {H935} him to Babylon {H894}.

They slaughtered his sons before his eyes. Then they put out Tzidkiyahu's eyes, bound him in chains and carried him off to Bavel.

And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Commentary

2 Kings 25:7 delivers a stark and brutal account of the final moments of King Zedekiah of Judah, marking the tragic end of Jerusalem's monarchy and the complete subjugation by the Babylonian Empire. This verse vividly portrays the severe judgment meted out by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, a consequence of Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon and, more profoundly, his disobedience to God's warnings.

Context

This verse is situated at the climax of Judah's downfall. After years of moral decline and repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, Jerusalem was finally besieged by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. King Zedekiah, installed as a vassal king by Nebuchadnezzar, rebelled, leading to a long and devastating siege. When the city walls were breached (2 Kings 25:4), Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured in the plains of Jericho. His capture led directly to the horrific scene described in this verse, carried out at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where Nebuchadnezzar had his headquarters.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The severity of Zedekiah's punishment—witnessing the slaying of his sons before his own blinding—serves as a powerful testament to the dire consequences of disobedience, both to earthly covenants and, more significantly, to God's will. Zedekiah had repeatedly ignored the counsel of the prophet Jeremiah to surrender to Babylon and trust in the Lord.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse dramatically fulfills prophecies concerning Zedekiah's fate. The prophet Jeremiah had foretold that Zedekiah would be taken captive to Babylon (Jeremiah 32:5 and Jeremiah 34:3). The prophet Ezekiel also prophesied that Zedekiah would go to Babylon but would "not see it" (Ezekiel 12:13), a chillingly specific detail that is fulfilled by his blinding before the journey.
  • The End of Judah's Monarchy: With Zedekiah's capture and brutal treatment, the line of Davidic kings reigning in Judah effectively came to an end. This marked a profound shift in Israelite history, ushering in the period of the Babylonian exile, a time of national lament and spiritual reflection.
  • The Brutality of Ancient Warfare: The actions described—the execution of sons, blinding, and binding with "fetters of brass"—were common, albeit horrific, practices in ancient warfare designed to completely demoralize a defeated enemy king and assert absolute dominance. The "fetters of brass" indicate a harsh, inescapable, and humiliating bondage.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fetters of brass" emphasizes the strength and permanence of Zedekiah's chains. Brass, a durable metal, signifies the inescapable nature of his captivity and the complete loss of his freedom and royal authority. It's not just a binding, but a secure, heavy, and publicly visible sign of his utter defeat.

Practical Application

The account of Zedekiah's downfall in 2 Kings 25:7 serves as a sober reminder of several enduring truths:

  • The Gravity of Disobedience: Zedekiah's story underscores the severe consequences that can arise from persistent rebellion against God's revealed will and His warnings. It highlights the importance of heeding divine instruction, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: While Nebuchadnezzar was the instrument, the Bible presents this judgment as ultimately orchestrated by God, who uses nations to fulfill His purposes and bring about justice. Even in the midst of human cruelty, God's sovereign hand is at work.
  • The Reality of Consequences: This verse is a stark illustration that actions have consequences. Zedekiah's choices led directly to his personal tragedy and the devastation of his kingdom, demonstrating that ignoring truth and wisdom can lead to painful outcomes.

Though a dark chapter, this event also sets the stage for future hope, as the exile eventually led to a return and a deeper understanding of God's covenant, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance found in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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;

  • Jeremiah 32:5

    And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.

  • Jeremiah 39:6

    Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.

  • Jeremiah 39:7

    Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

  • Jeremiah 22:30

    Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man [that] shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

  • Genesis 21:16

    And she went, and sat her down over against [him] a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against [him], and lift up her voice, and wept.

  • Ezekiel 7:27

    The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.