Jeremiah 39:10

KJV

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Nebuzaradan {H5018} the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} left {H7604} of the poor {H1800} of the people {H5971}, which had nothing {H3972}, in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, and gave {H5414} them vineyards {H3754} and fields {H3010} at the same time {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But N'vuzar'adan the commander of the guard left behind in the territory of Y'hudah some of the poor people, those who had nothing, and at the same time gave them vineyards and fields.

Berean Standard Bible

But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.

American Standard Version

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, that had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:10 details a surprising act of mercy and strategic policy by Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain of the guard, following the devastating fall of Jerusalem. While the city was burned and its elite deported, Nebuzaradan deliberately left behind the most impoverished and destitute citizens in the land of Judah, providing them with vineyards and fields. This action, seemingly a pragmatic administrative decision by the conquering power, simultaneously served to maintain agricultural productivity in the conquered territory and, from a theological perspective, ensured the preservation of a remnant in the promised land, setting the stage for future divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic and tragic account of Jerusalem's fall in [Jeremiah 39:1-9](/jeremiah/39-1-9 "Jeremiah 39:1-9 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). The preceding verses describe the breaching of the city walls, the flight and capture of King Zedekiah, the execution of his sons, the blinding of Zedekiah, and the systematic destruction of the temple and the city. Most significantly, they detail the mass deportation of the remaining population—the nobles, soldiers, and skilled craftsmen—to Babylon. Against this backdrop of utter devastation and exile, Jeremiah 39:10 introduces a contrasting and unexpected act: the preservation and provision for a specific segment of the population. This deliberate distinction highlights a nuanced aspect of Babylonian policy and, more profoundly, underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving a presence in the land, even amidst severe judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Babylonian conquest under Nebuchadnezzar was characterized by a specific strategy for managing conquered territories. Rather than leaving a land completely desolate, which would diminish its value and potential for tribute, the Babylonians often deported the influential, wealthy, and skilled populations to prevent rebellion and utilize their talents in Babylon. Conversely, leaving the poorest and least influential behind, as described in this verse, served several practical purposes. These individuals posed no significant threat of insurrection, and by providing them with agricultural means ("vineyards and fields"), the Babylonians ensured continued food production and economic stability in the newly subjugated province of Judah. This policy allowed for a controlled administration, maintaining order with minimal military presence and setting the stage for the subsequent period of Babylonian provincial rule, often under a governor like Gedaliah (as seen in [Jeremiah 40:5](/jeremiah/40-5 "Jeremiah 40:5 - Gedaliah Appointed Governor")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 39:10 is rich with significant theological and narrative themes. Foremost among them is the theme of the **remnant**. Despite the overwhelming judgment and mass deportation, God, through the actions of a pagan king, ensures that a portion of His people remains in the land. This echoes a recurring biblical pattern where, even after severe discipline or catastrophe, a faithful or preserved remnant is maintained for future purposes and eventual restoration, as seen from Noah's family in [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah's Righteousness") to the exiles returning in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree"). Another crucial theme is **divine sovereignty amidst judgment**. Even in the midst of national catastrophe and foreign oppression, the hand of God is profoundly evident. The decision to leave the poorest behind, while a pragmatic choice by the Babylonians, can be understood as an outworking of God's overarching plan to maintain a presence in the land of Judah, fulfilling His covenant promises despite His people's disobedience. Finally, the verse highlights **mercy and provision for the destitute**. The specific focus on "the poor of the people, which had nothing" underscores God's enduring concern for the marginalized and vulnerable, even in the direst circumstances. The provision of "vineyards and fields" speaks to a divine act of sustenance and a foundation for a new, albeit humble, beginning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nebuzaradan (Hebrew, _Nᵉbûwzarʼădân'_):** Of foreign origin, this name identifies a specific Babylonian general, the captain of the guard. His role as "captain of the guard" (Hebrew, _rab ṭabbâch'_) indicates his high military rank and authority, specifically as the chief executioner or commander of the king's personal guard. His presence signifies the direct and authoritative implementation of Nebuchadnezzar's policies in the conquered territory, making his actions in this verse particularly significant as official Babylonian decree rather than an arbitrary choice.
* **poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** From a root meaning "to dangle" or "to be weak/thin," this term describes those who are properly "dangling," i.e., weak, thin, lean, needy, or impoverished. It emphasizes their utter destitution, lack of resources, and social standing. By specifying "the poor of the people, which had nothing" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼûwmâh'_), the text underscores their complete lack of possessions or influence, making them the least threatening and most manageable segment of the population from the Babylonian perspective, yet paradoxically, the chosen recipients of divine provision.
* **vineyards (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this term refers to a garden or vineyard. In an agrarian society like ancient Judah, vineyards, along with fields, were primary sources of sustenance, wealth, and livelihood. The act of giving these to the poor was not merely a gesture of charity but a strategic provision that enabled immediate self-sufficiency and the continued agricultural productivity of the land, thus serving both the needs of the remnant and the economic interests of the Babylonian empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah":** This clause introduces the key actor, Nebuzaradan, highlighting his authority as the "captain of the guard," a high-ranking official responsible for carrying out Nebuchadnezzar's commands. The crucial action is "left," indicating a deliberate decision to allow a specific group to remain in the land. The group identified is "the poor of the people, which had nothing," emphasizing their extreme poverty, lack of possessions, and social vulnerability. This detail underscores their non-threatening status to the conquering Babylonians, making them suitable candidates to be left behind, as they lacked the means or influence to incite rebellion. The location, "in the land of Judah," specifies that a presence was maintained in the very territory that had just suffered immense devastation and deportation.
* **"and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time":** This second clause describes the active provision made for the remaining poor. Nebuzaradan "gave them vineyards and fields," which were the essential means of livelihood and sustenance in an agrarian society. This was not merely an act of leaving them but of empowering them to survive and be productive. The phrase "at the same time" (Hebrew, _yôwm'_ - day/time) implies that this provision was immediate and concurrent with the other actions of conquest and deportation, demonstrating a clear and calculated policy to ensure the land remained productive and inhabited, albeit by a humbled and dependent population.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing the widespread destruction and mass deportation described in the preceding verses with the surprising act of preservation and provision for the poor. This stark difference highlights the nuanced nature of the Babylonian conquest and, more importantly, God's selective mercy. There is also an element of **Irony**, as a pagan military commander, Nebuzaradan, becomes an unwitting instrument of God's sovereign plan to preserve a remnant in the land, fulfilling divine promises despite Israel's disobedience. Furthermore, the "vineyards and fields" can be seen as **Symbolism** for sustenance, new beginnings, and the enduring promise of the land, even when stripped of its former glory. This provision, though humble, symbolizes the seed of hope and the potential for future restoration that God maintains even in the darkest hours of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control, even amidst the most severe judgments. Despite the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the vast majority of its inhabitants, God, through the actions of a foreign king, ensures the preservation of a "remnant" in the land. This act underscores that God's covenant promises are not entirely abrogated by human sin; rather, His purposes endure, often through unexpected means and agents. The focus on the "poor" also highlights God's consistent concern for the marginalized and vulnerable, demonstrating that His provision often extends to those whom the world might overlook or deem insignificant. This divine care ensures that a physical link to the promised land remains, serving as a tangible sign of future restoration and the eventual fulfillment of God's plans for His people.

* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - A Small Remnant Preserved")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel According to Prophecy")
* [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - God's Provision for the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that even in seasons of profound loss, judgment, or apparent abandonment, God's underlying purposes are continually at work. The preservation of a small, vulnerable remnant in Judah illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are disobedient and face the consequences of their sin. It teaches us that God can use unexpected agents—even foreign conquerors or adverse circumstances—to fulfill His overarching plans. For us today, this verse can offer immense comfort and hope: even in the midst of personal devastation, collective crises, or the apparent triumph of evil, God often preserves a way forward, a "seed" of hope, and a foundation for future restoration. It encourages us to look for God's hidden hand in seemingly secular or difficult situations, trusting that He is always working, often behind the scenes, to bring about His good and perfect will. Furthermore, it subtly underscores the biblical value of caring for the poor and marginalized, recognizing that they are often the ones left behind or overlooked by society, yet can be crucial to God's ongoing work and recipients of His special favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the preservation of a "remnant" in Jeremiah 39:10 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways might God be working through unexpected people or circumstances in your life or in the world today to bring about His purposes?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's care for the poor and vulnerable, and how might that inform our own actions and priorities?**
* **How can we find hope and trust in God's sovereignty when facing situations that feel like "judgment" or overwhelming loss?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuzaradan, a Babylonian general, choose to leave the poor behind and provide for them?**

Answer: Nebuzaradan's actions were likely a calculated strategic move by the Babylonian Empire. After deporting the powerful, wealthy, and skilled populations who might pose a threat or be valuable assets elsewhere, leaving the land completely desolate would have been counterproductive. By settling the poorest, who lacked resources and influence, and providing them with "vineyards and fields" ([Jeremiah 39:10](/jeremiah/39-10 "Jeremiah 39:10 - Provision for the Poor")), the Babylonians ensured continued agricultural output and maintained a semblance of order with minimal overhead. This prevented the land from becoming completely wild and uninhabited, which would have made future control more difficult and diminished its economic value. It was a pragmatic administrative decision to establish a stable, albeit subjugated, provincial rule.

**What is the theological significance of "the poor of the people, which had nothing" being left in the land?**

Answer: Theologically, the focus on "the poor of the people, which had nothing" is highly significant. It highlights God's consistent concern for the marginalized and vulnerable, even in the midst of national judgment. While the elite and powerful were exiled, the most humble and destitute were preserved in the land. This can be seen as an act of divine mercy, ensuring that a "remnant" remained in Judah, fulfilling God's covenant promises that a people would always dwell in the land, despite their sin. This also foreshadows a broader biblical theme where God often chooses the weak and lowly to accomplish His purposes, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak and Lowly").

**How does Jeremiah 39:10 relate to the broader themes of judgment and restoration in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah is largely a book of judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. However, interwoven with these pronouncements of judgment are threads of hope and promises of future restoration. Jeremiah 39:10 serves as a crucial bridge between these two themes. While it is part of the narrative of judgment's fulfillment, the act of leaving a remnant in the land and providing for them is the first glimmer of restoration. It signifies that God's judgment, though severe, is not absolute annihilation. It preserves a seed for future rebuilding and the eventual return from exile, as prophesied throughout Jeremiah, particularly in chapters like [Jeremiah 30](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - The Book of Consolation") and [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 39:10, though set in a moment of profound national devastation, points forward to the ultimate work of Christ in several profound ways. The preservation of a "remnant" in the land, specifically the "poor of the people, which had nothing," foreshadows God's redemptive strategy through Jesus. Christ himself came not for the self-sufficient or the powerful, but declared, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes")). He identified with the marginalized, the sick, and the outcast, bringing good news to the poor and setting the captives free ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Just as the impoverished remnant in Judah was given "vineyards and fields" for sustenance and a new beginning, Christ offers a spiritual inheritance that is far richer—the kingdom of God, eternal life, and true spiritual nourishment. He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making possible a new covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")) that transcends physical land, establishing a spiritual "land" where all who believe, regardless of their earthly status, are given an inheritance and a dwelling place with God ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the humble provision in Jeremiah 39:10 ultimately points to the abundant life and eternal inheritance secured by Christ for all who are spiritually poor and dependent on Him.

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

2 Kings 25:12

But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land [to be] vinedressers and husbandmen.

Jeremiah 52:16

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left [certain] of the poor of the land for vinedressers and for husbandmen.

Jeremiah 40:7

¶ Now when all the captains of the forces which [were] in the fields, [even] they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

Ezekiel 33:24

Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we [are] many; the land is given us for inheritance.