Jeremiah 39:5

KJV

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the Chaldeans {H3778}' army {H2428} pursued {H7291} after {H310} them, and overtook {H5381} Zedekiah {H6667} in the plains {H6160} of Jericho {H3405}: and when they had taken {H3947} him, they brought him up {H5927} to Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} to Riblah {H7247} in the land {H776} of Hamath {H2574}, where he gave {H1696} judgment {H4941} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the army of the Kasdim went in pursuit of them and overtook Tzidkiyahu on the plains near Yericho. Upon capturing him, they brought him up to N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel at Rivlah, in the land of Hamat, where he passed judgment on him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.

American Standard Version

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:5 vividly recounts the climactic and tragic moment of King Zedekiah's capture by the Babylonian forces, marking the definitive culmination of Judah's rebellion and the fulfillment of divine judgment. After a desperate attempt to escape the besieged Jerusalem, Zedekiah and his remaining soldiers were swiftly overtaken in the open plains of Jericho. This verse precisely details their apprehension and subsequent presentation before the formidable Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, at his military headquarters in Riblah in the land of Hamath, where the final, severe judgment against the last king of Judah was formally pronounced, sealing the fate of the Davidic monarchy and initiating the full Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 39 opens with a precise chronological marker, detailing the exact date of Jerusalem's breach and fall in [Jeremiah 39:1-2](/jeremiah/39-1-2 "Jeremiah 39:1-2 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). This immediate context places Jeremiah 39:5 squarely within the catastrophic aftermath of the city's collapse. The preceding verses vividly portray the relentless siege and the desperate conditions within Jerusalem, culminating in Zedekiah's nocturnal escape attempt through a secret gate, accompanied by his soldiers, as described in [Jeremiah 39:4](/jeremiah/39-4 "Jeremiah 39:4 - Zedekiah's Escape Attempt"). Jeremiah 39:5 then immediately follows, narrating the swift and decisive pursuit and capture of the fleeing king. This verse serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative, transitioning from the siege itself to the personal judgment upon the king and the subsequent dismantling of the kingdom, which is further elaborated in the severe consequences detailed in [Jeremiah 39:6-7](/jeremiah/39-6-7 "Jeremiah 39:6-7 - Zedekiah's Punishment"), including the execution of his sons and nobles, and Zedekiah's blinding and imprisonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 39:5 unfold during the final, brutal stages of the Neo-Babylonian Empire's dominance under Nebuchadnezzar II. Jerusalem had endured a grueling siege for over two years, a testament to both Babylonian military might and the city's desperate resilience. Jericho, strategically located in the Jordan Valley, offered a potential escape route for Zedekiah across the Jordan River into Transjordan. However, its open plains made it a vulnerable place for a fleeing party to be intercepted. Riblah, situated in the Orontes Valley in the land of Hamath (modern-day Syria), served as Nebuchadnezzar's primary military headquarters during his extensive campaigns against Judah and other western states. This strategic location allowed him to efficiently oversee military operations in the Levant without needing to return to distant Babylon. The practice of bringing captured kings before the conquering monarch for judgment was a common and deeply symbolic ancient Near Eastern custom, signifying absolute victory and the vanquished king's complete subjugation. The severity of the judgment, often including blinding and the execution of heirs, was a typical means of ensuring no future rebellion and definitively erasing the defeated dynasty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the prophetic book of Jeremiah. It serves as a stark illustration of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating the inevitable and severe outcome of Judah's persistent rebellion against God and Zedekiah's stubborn refusal to heed God's warnings delivered through Jeremiah. The king's capture directly fulfills earlier prophecies concerning his fate, highlighting the undeniable **Fulfillment of Prophecy** (e.g., [Jeremiah 32:4](/jeremiah/32-4 "Jeremiah 32:4 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Capture") explicitly states Zedekiah will be brought before the king of Babylon, and [Jeremiah 34:3](/jeremiah/34-3 "Jeremiah 34:3 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Confrontation with Nebuchadnezzar") foretells his personal confrontation with Nebuchadnezzar). Even amidst the actions of pagan kings and empires, the **Sovereignty of God** is profoundly evident; Nebuchadnezzar, though acting out of his own imperial ambitions, was an unwitting instrument in God's overarching plan to bring righteous judgment upon Judah for its pervasive idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Finally, Zedekiah's capture and subsequent fate mark the definitive **End of an Era**—the tragic collapse of the Davidic monarchy in Judah and the beginning of the long, painful period of the [Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), a pivotal and transformative moment in Israelite history and a powerful testament to the wages of sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** H2428, from חוּל; "probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength." In this context, "the Chaldeans' army" specifically denotes the formidable military might and well-resourced fighting force of the Babylonians. The term conveys not merely a collection of soldiers, but a powerful, effective, and relentless military apparatus capable of executing a successful and decisive pursuit and capture.
* **overtook (Hebrew, _nâsag'_):** H5381, a primitive root; "to reach (literally or figuratively); ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon)." Here, this verb precisely describes the successful culmination of the Chaldean pursuit, indicating that Zedekiah's desperate escape attempt was futile and that the Babylonians effectively "caught up with" and "apprehended" him, demonstrating their superior speed, strategic advantage, and determination.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941, from שָׁפַט; "properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree... abstractly, justice." When Nebuchadnezzar "gave judgment upon him," it was not a casual conversation or an informal decision, but a formal, authoritative pronouncement of sentence. This term underscores the legal, official, and severe nature of the proceedings, indicating that Zedekiah's fate was determined by a formal, albeit foreign and conquering, legal process, leading directly to the severe consequences detailed in the subsequent verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho:"** This clause details the immediate and decisive action following Zedekiah's desperate escape from Jerusalem. The "Chaldeans' army" (the formidable Babylonian forces) did not relent but actively "pursued" the fleeing king and his remaining men with relentless determination. The phrase "overtook Zedekiah" highlights the swift and successful culmination of their pursuit, bringing an abrupt and ignominious end to the king's desperate flight. The specified location, "the plains of Jericho," is significant, as it was a relatively open and exposed area where escape was exceedingly difficult once spotted, and it lay on a common escape route towards the Jordan River, which Zedekiah likely intended to cross.
* **"and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath,"** This part describes the immediate and formal consequence of Zedekiah's capture. Zedekiah, now a prisoner of war, was "taken" and then "brought him up" (a phrase indicating a journey to a higher authority or a more significant, formal location) to the supreme commander of the Babylonian forces, King Nebuchadnezzar himself. The precise geographical location, "Riblah in the land of Hamath," identifies Nebuchadnezzar's established military headquarters. This detail emphasizes the formality and immense importance of the encounter, signifying that it was here, away from the chaos of the besieged city, that the ultimate and final decisions regarding Judah's future and Zedekiah's personal fate would be made by the conquering monarch.
* **"where he gave judgment upon him."** This final, concise clause succinctly states the ultimate purpose of Zedekiah's transportation to Riblah. Nebuchadnezzar, as the absolute victorious monarch, exercised his supreme authority to "give judgment" upon the captured king. This was a formal legal and political act, signifying the definitive end of Zedekiah's reign and the imposition of the conqueror's absolute will. This judgment would involve severe punishment, as detailed in the subsequent verses of Jeremiah 39, and would serve as a stark warning to any other potential rebels against Babylonian hegemony.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and tragic message. The rapid succession of active verbs—"pursued," "overtook," "taken," "brought him up," "gave judgment"—creates a compelling sense of **Pacing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The swiftness of Zedekiah's capture, immediately after his desperate and hopeful escape attempt, starkly underscores the futility of his resistance and the inevitability of God's predetermined judgment. The precise mention of specific geographical locations like "the plains of Jericho" and "Riblah in the land of Hamath" serves as **Verisimilitude**, grounding the narrative in concrete, historical reality and emphasizing the factual accuracy of the events. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as profound **Symbolism**: Zedekiah's ignominious capture represents the complete and irreversible collapse of the Davidic monarchy and the nation of Judah, while Nebuchadnezzar's pronouncement of "judgment" embodies the divine verdict against a disobedient people, even though it is delivered through the agency of a pagan king. The stark contrast between Zedekiah's initial hopeful flight and his ultimate, humiliating capture highlights the deep **Tragedy** of his choices and the severe consequences of his persistent rejection of prophetic warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:5 serves as a stark and undeniable testament to the sovereign hand of God in human history, even amidst the seemingly chaotic events of war and political upheaval. Zedekiah's capture is not merely a military defeat but the direct fulfillment of divine prophecy, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His spoken word and His unyielding justice. Despite Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and stubborn refusal to repent, God remained faithful to His covenant, allowing judgment to fall as a necessary and righteous consequence of disobedience. This event profoundly reveals that no human power, no strategic escape, no political maneuvering can ultimately thwart the ultimate purposes of the Almighty. It highlights the timeless biblical principle that rebellion against divine truth inevitably leads to severe consequences, while also powerfully affirming God's ability to use even pagan rulers and empires as unwitting instruments for His righteous decrees and the execution of His divine plan.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:5 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful cautionary tale. Zedekiah's desperate flight and swift capture underscore the futility of resisting God's revealed will, even when it seems difficult or counter-intuitive. His dramatic downfall highlights the danger of relying on human strategies, political alliances, or personal ingenuity when God's judgment or a divine directive is at hand. For us today, this narrative calls for deep introspection into our own lives. Are we diligently heeding God's Word and the promptings of His Spirit, or are we, like Zedekiah, attempting to find our own way out of difficult situations, perhaps ignoring divine counsel or convenient truths? This verse powerfully reminds us that true security, lasting peace, and genuine freedom are found not in evasion, self-reliance, or rebellion, but in humble submission to God's sovereignty and His unchanging truth. It challenges us to trust God's perfect plan, even when it involves hardship, requires difficult choices, or seems counter to our immediate desires, knowing with certainty that His purposes will ultimately prevail for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly resisting God's revealed will or ignoring the "prophetic warnings" from His Word or wise counsel?**
* **How does Zedekiah's capture challenge my own tendencies to rely on human strategies, personal strength, or worldly solutions rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign plan and provision?**
* **What concrete, actionable steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper posture of humility, radical obedience, and unwavering trust in God's voice in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Riblah in this context?**

Answer: Riblah (H7247, meaning "fertile") was a strategically vital location in the land of Hamath (modern Syria), situated in the fertile Orontes Valley. For Nebuchadnezzar, it served as a crucial and well-established military headquarters during his extensive campaigns in the Levant. Its central location allowed him to efficiently maintain control over his vast forces, secure supply lines, and administer his conquered territories without needing to return to distant Babylon. This made it an ideal and logical place to bring captured dignitaries like Zedekiah for formal judgment and to consolidate Babylonian power over the entire region, as seen in this verse and further emphasized in [2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6-7 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Judgment and Blinding at Riblah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 39:5 depicts the tragic end of an earthly king and the collapse of a human kingdom, it subtly but profoundly points forward to a greater King and an enduring, eternal Kingdom. Zedekiah, a descendant of David, ultimately failed to uphold the covenant and faced divine judgment, leading to the temporary cessation of the Davidic monarchy in Judah. This profound brokenness and the desperate need for a righteous, faithful King is a recurring prophetic theme throughout the Old Testament, powerfully foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ. Unlike Zedekiah, who desperately fled from judgment only to be captured and punished, Jesus, the true and perfect [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), willingly submitted to the ultimate judgment on the cross, not for His own sin, but as the spotless Lamb of God who bore the sins of humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His capture and trial were not a sign of His weakness or the futility of His mission, but a profound demonstration of His sovereign power and obedient love, as He Himself declared that no one could take His life from Him, but He laid it down freely ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Furthermore, while Zedekiah's judgment at Riblah marked the definitive end of an era and a dynasty, Christ's judgment on the cross and His subsequent glorious resurrection established an eternal kingdom, one that will never be destroyed or overtaken ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). He is the King who was "overtaken" by death in the tomb, only to conquer it decisively, offering true freedom, spiritual life, and an eternal inheritance to all who believe, thereby perfectly fulfilling the promise of a righteous Branch from David's line ([Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch and His Reign")).

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 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.

Joshua 5:10

¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Joshua 4:13

About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.

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 52:26

So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.

Jeremiah 52:27

And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive out of his own land.