Jeremiah 39:2

KJV

[And] in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month, the city was broken up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the eleventh {H6249}{H6240} year {H8141} of Zedekiah {H6667}, in the fourth {H7243} month {H2320}, the ninth {H8672} day of the month {H2320}, the city {H5892} was broken up {H1234}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the ninth day of the fourth month of the eleventh year of Tzidkiyahu, they broke through into the city.

Berean Standard Bible

And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city was breached.

American Standard Version

in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:2 precisely dates a moment of profound historical and theological significance: the breaching of Jerusalem's walls by the Babylonian army. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Kingdom of Judah, signifying the culmination of divine judgment against a people who had persistently rejected God's covenant and prophetic warnings, leading directly to the ultimate destruction of the city and the Temple, and the subsequent Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 39:2 is situated within a critical narrative section of the book of Jeremiah, specifically detailing the final moments of Jerusalem's resistance against Nebuchadnezzar's siege. The preceding verse, [Jeremiah 39:1](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1 - Beginning of the Siege"), establishes the siege's commencement in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign. This verse, therefore, marks the devastating climax of that prolonged military action, setting the stage for the capture of King Zedekiah, the plundering of the city, and the destruction of the Temple, as narrated in the subsequent verses of [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). It serves as a stark transition from the prophetic warnings and laments to the grim reality of their fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC was not merely a military defeat but a catastrophic event for ancient Judah, signifying the end of its national sovereignty and the Davidic monarchy. King Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal king, had foolishly rebelled against Babylon, ignoring the repeated counsel of Jeremiah to submit ([Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Submit")). The siege, lasting approximately two and a half years ([Jeremiah 52:4-6](/jeremiah/52-4 "Jeremiah 52:4-6 - Duration of the Siege")), led to severe famine and desperation within the city walls. The date specified in this verse—the eleventh year of Zedekiah, fourth month, ninth day—highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the ancient world and underscores the historical veracity of the biblical account, marking the precise moment the city's formidable defenses were overcome.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the fall of Jerusalem was not a random occurrence but the direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, repeatedly foretold by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Prophecy of Judah's Desolation")). It vividly illustrates **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and His willingness to bring severe consequences upon His own people when they spurn His commands and refuse to repent. Furthermore, it marks **The End of an Era**, signaling the cessation of the independent Kingdom of Judah, the temporary suspension of the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem, and the commencement of the Babylonian exile, a transformative period that deeply reshaped Israelite identity and theological understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eleventh (Hebrew, _ʻashtêy_ H6249, _ʻâsâr_ H6240):** This combination of Hebrew words precisely denotes the ordinal number "eleventh." In this context, it specifies the exact year of King Zedekiah's reign when Jerusalem's defenses were breached. The meticulous dating underscores the historical accuracy and the gravity of the event, marking a specific, irreversible turning point.
* **month (Hebrew, _chôdesh_ H2320):** Derived from a root meaning "new moon," this term refers to a lunar month. Its inclusion, alongside the day and year, provides a complete and precise chronological marker. The "fourth month" (Tammuz) was a significant time in the agricultural calendar and now becomes forever associated with the city's downfall.
* **broken up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ_ H1234):** This primitive root verb carries a powerful meaning of violent penetration and destruction. It signifies "to cleave," "to rend," "to break forth (into, through, up)," or "to burst." The use of _bâqaʻ_ here emphasizes that Jerusalem's walls were not merely entered but were decisively, forcefully, and destructively breached, indicating a complete collapse of its defensive integrity rather than a mere surrender or infiltration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah":** This clause establishes the temporal setting within the reign of Judah's last king, Zedekiah. It grounds the event firmly in the historical timeline, highlighting the finality and tragedy associated with his rule.
* **"in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month":** This provides an even more precise date—the ninth day of the fourth month. Such specific chronological detail underscores the historical reliability of the account and emphasizes the exact moment the long, grueling siege culminated in the city's fall.
* **"the city was broken up":** This climactic phrase describes the devastating outcome of the siege. The verb "broken up" (Hebrew _bâqaʻ_) vividly conveys the violent penetration of Jerusalem's defenses, signifying the complete collapse of its fortifications and the immediate prelude to its capture and destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Chronological Precision**, providing exact dates (year, month, day) which lends a sense of historical accuracy and solemnity to the narrative. This precise dating also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the breaching of the walls immediately precedes the full destruction of the city, the capture of the king, and the exile of the people, events narrated in the subsequent verses. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the mention of "Zedekiah," whose name means "My Righteousness is Yahweh," yet under whose unrighteous and rebellious reign Jerusalem, the city of God, met its catastrophic end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:2 stands as a stark testament to the consequences of persistent disobedience and the unwavering nature of divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is merciful and patient, His justice will ultimately prevail when His covenant people repeatedly reject His warnings and embrace idolatry and rebellion. The fall of Jerusalem was not a defeat for God, but rather a demonstration of His sovereignty over history and His commitment to His word, whether in blessing or in judgment. This event served as a profound object lesson for Israel, intended to lead them to repentance and a renewed understanding of their covenant obligations.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Warnings of Siege and Famine")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Judah's Exile and Suffering")
* [Ezekiel 24:1-2](/ezekiel/24-1 "Prophecy of Jerusalem's Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:2, though a historical account of ancient judgment, carries profound contemporary relevance. It serves as a sober reminder that actions have consequences, and persistent rebellion against divine truth ultimately leads to painful outcomes. For believers, it highlights the critical importance of heeding God's Word, cultivating a spirit of repentance, and living in faithful obedience. Just as Judah's physical walls were breached due to spiritual decay, so too can our spiritual defenses crumble when we neglect our relationship with God and succumb to the allure of sin. This verse calls us to examine our own lives, our communities, and our nations, asking if we are truly aligned with God's will or if we are, like Zedekiah's Judah, on a path toward self-destruction. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom and guidance, trusting that His warnings are given out of love, for our ultimate good and preservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of Jerusalem's fall in this verse deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over history?**
* **What parallels can you draw between Judah's persistent rebellion and any areas of disobedience in your own life or in contemporary society?**
* **In what ways does the concept of divine judgment, as seen here, shape your understanding of God's character?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "eleventh year of Zedekiah"?**

Answer: The "eleventh year of Zedekiah" (586 BC) marks the final year of King Zedekiah's reign and the ultimate collapse of the Kingdom of Judah. It was the culmination of a long siege by the Babylonians, signifying the end of Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem until much later periods. This date is crucial for understanding the chronological progression of the Babylonian exile and the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")).

**What does "the city was broken up" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The city was broken up" means that the defensive walls of Jerusalem were breached, violently penetrated, and shattered by the Babylonian forces. The Hebrew verb used ( _bâqaʻ_ ) implies a forceful cleaving or bursting open, indicating that the city's formidable fortifications, which had withstood previous attacks, finally gave way. This event opened the path for the Babylonian army to enter, conquer, and ultimately destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, as detailed in [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 39:2 describes a moment of profound judgment and destruction, it ultimately points forward to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple underscored the fragility of earthly institutions and the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's physical manifestations. The true "city" that cannot be "broken up" is the spiritual kingdom established by Christ, and the ultimate "Temple" is His own body, broken and raised again ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Jesus, the true Son of David, did not come to restore an earthly kingdom that could be breached by human armies, but to establish a spiritual reign that overcomes sin and death, offering a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). The judgment upon Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness foreshadows the greater judgment against sin that Christ absorbed on the cross, becoming the 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")). Thus, the devastation of the earthly city points to the enduring hope of the heavenly Jerusalem, where God's people will dwell securely with Him forever, a city whose foundations are eternal and whose walls will never be broken ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

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 52:6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Jeremiah 52:7

Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which [was] by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.

Micah 2:12

¶ I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of [the multitude of] men.

Micah 2:13

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.

2 Kings 25:3

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.

2 Kings 25:4

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.

Zephaniah 1:10

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, [that there shall be] the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.