Jeremiah 39:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover he put out {H5786} Zedekiah's {H6667} eyes {H5869}, and bound {H631} him with chains {H5178}, to carry {H935} him to Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he put out Tzidkiyahu's eyes and bound him in chains to be carried off to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon.

American Standard Version

Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:7 graphically details the brutal and definitive end of King Zedekiah's reign and personal freedom, marking the tragic climax of Judah's downfall. Following his capture by Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah was subjected to a horrific punishment: witnessing the execution of his sons and nobles, then having his own eyes put out, before being bound in bronze chains and transported as a prisoner to Babylon. This act sealed the fate of the last king of Judah and underscored the complete subjugation of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonian forces in Jeremiah 39:1-3, and Zedekiah's desperate, failed attempt to escape in Jeremiah 39:4-5. His capture in the plains of Jericho and subsequent judgment by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah are described in Jeremiah 39:5-6. The blinding and binding of Zedekiah, therefore, represent the final, devastating act of personal humiliation and incapacitation for the king, directly preceding his transportation to Babylon. It serves as the grim conclusion to the narrative of Judah's monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian exile for its leadership, setting the stage for the subsequent events concerning Jeremiah's release and the remnant left in Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 39:7 occurred in 586 BC, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar's actions against Zedekiah were not arbitrary but reflected common, albeit brutal, practices of ancient Near Eastern empires towards rebellious vassal kings. Blinding was a severe punishment designed to utterly incapacitate a defeated monarch, preventing any future leadership or escape, and serving as a stark warning to other potential rebels. The act of binding with chains and deportation to the capital (Babylon) was a standard method of asserting absolute control, parading the defeated, and integrating conquered populations into the empire's administrative system. This specific punishment for Zedekiah also fulfilled specific prophecies, making its historical execution deeply significant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 39:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, as Zedekiah's tragic fate is a direct result of his persistent rebellion against God's clear commands, delivered through Jeremiah, to submit to Babylonian rule, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Call to Submit to Babylon"). The verse also underscores the **fulfillment of prophecy**, chillingly illustrating how specific divine pronouncements regarding Zedekiah's capture and journey to Babylon, yet not "seeing" the land, came to pass (compare [Jeremiah 32:5](/jeremiah/32-5 "Jeremiah 32:5 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Captivity") and [Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12:13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Blindness and Exile")). Finally, it serves as a stark depiction of **divine judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous wrath against Judah's prolonged idolatry, covenant breaking, and rebellion, signifying the definitive end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule in Jerusalem and ushering in the Babylonian captivity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Put out (Hebrew, _ʻâvar'_):** This word (H5786) is a primitive root meaning "to blind." It is derived from the idea of a film over the eyes, indicating a complete and permanent loss of sight. In this context, it describes the deliberate and cruel act performed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, transforming Zedekiah from a king into a helpless, sightless captive. The choice of this verb emphasizes the intentionality and severity of the punishment, designed to incapacitate him utterly.
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** The word (H5869) literally refers to the physical organ of sight. However, it can also metaphorically represent outward appearance, perception, knowledge, or even a source (like a fountain, "eye of the landscape"). Here, the act of putting out Zedekiah's "eyes" signifies not only physical blindness but also a symbolic incapacitation of his ability to perceive or rule, mirroring his prior spiritual blindness to God's will. It is the very faculty through which he would have seen his kingdom's downfall and his sons' deaths, now extinguished.
* **Chains (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** This term (H5178) primarily means "copper" or "bronze," and by extension, something made of that metal, such as "fetters" or "chains." The use of bronze chains indicates a strong, durable, and inescapable binding, signifying Zedekiah's complete and utter subjugation. Bronze, being a common metal for implements of war and bondage in the ancient world, emphasizes the harsh reality of his captivity and the finality of his defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes":** This clause describes the primary and most horrific act of punishment. "He" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, or his agents. The act of blinding Zedekiah was a deliberate and calculated move to ensure his complete incapacitation, preventing any future leadership or escape attempts. It was a common, brutal practice for conquered kings in the ancient Near East, designed to utterly humiliate and disable.
* **"and bound him with chains":** Following the blinding, Zedekiah was physically restrained with chains, likely made of bronze (as per the Hebrew word analysis). This signifies his complete loss of freedom and status, transitioning him from a sovereign king to a mere prisoner. The binding ensures he cannot flee or pose any further threat, solidifying his captivity.
* **"to carry him to Babylon":** This final clause states the ultimate destination and purpose of Zedekiah's capture and punishment. He was to be deported to Babylon, the capital of the conquering empire. This act not only removed him from Judah but also served as a public display of Babylonian power and a final humiliation for the former king, who would live out his days in a foreign land as a sightless captive, a stark symbol of Judah's defeat.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of Zedekiah's fate. **Symbolism** is prominent, as Zedekiah's physical blindness can be seen as a potent symbol of his spiritual blindness throughout his reign, where he consistently failed to "see" or heed God's warnings delivered through Jeremiah. His inability to see the land of Babylon, as prophesied by Ezekiel, adds another layer to this symbolism. There is also a profound sense of **Irony** in this verse; the king who refused to "see" the truth of God's word and the inevitability of Babylon's judgment is now literally deprived of his sight. The narrative's stark, unembellished description of the brutal act also lends a sense of **Pathos**, evoking pity for the king's tragic end, despite his culpability, and highlighting the severe consequences of rebellion against divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:7 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering nature of divine judgment when covenant disobedience persists. Zedekiah's horrific fate serves as a culminating example of the principle that rebellion against God's revealed will, even when delivered through human prophets, leads to severe consequences. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations and kings, demonstrating that even the most powerful human leaders are subject to His ultimate authority and judgment. The fulfillment of prophecy in Zedekiah's blinding and exile also reinforces the reliability of God's word and His meticulous execution of His declared purposes, whether in judgment or blessing.

* [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Fate in 2 Kings")
* [Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12:13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Blindness")
* [Lamentations 4:20](/lamentations/4-20 "Lamentations 4:20 - The Capture of Judah's King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Zedekiah's blinding and bondage in Jeremiah 39:7 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of the gravity of human choices and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against divine counsel. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we truly "seeing" God's truth, or are we, like Zedekiah, spiritually blind to His warnings and guidance, preferring our own counsel or the deceptive allure of worldly power? This verse calls us to cultivate humility and a posture of submission to God's revealed will, even when it demands difficult choices or contradicts our immediate desires. It reminds us that true freedom is found not in resisting God's plan, but in aligning our lives with His righteous purposes, trusting in His sovereignty even amidst challenging circumstances. The fulfillment of prophecy here should also instill in us a deep confidence in God's faithfulness to His word, prompting us to live in expectant hope and obedience, knowing that His promises, both of judgment and redemption, will surely come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind to God's will or warnings, similar to Zedekiah?**
* **How does Zedekiah's fate encourage me to take God's warnings and prophecies seriously in my own life?**
* **What difficult choices might God be calling me to make in submission to His will, rather than relying on my own strength or wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Was Zedekiah's punishment unique, or was it a common practice in the ancient world?**

Answer: While horrific, Zedekiah's punishment was not unique. Blinding defeated kings or high-ranking rebels was a relatively common, albeit extreme, practice in the ancient Near East, particularly among empires like Assyria and Babylon. It served multiple purposes: to utterly incapacitate the individual, preventing any future rebellion or leadership; to humiliate them publicly; and to send a clear, terrifying message to other potential adversaries about the consequences of defying the conquering power. Examples can be found in Assyrian reliefs depicting similar fates for conquered rulers. The act of binding with chains and deporting to the capital was also a standard procedure for asserting control over conquered populations and their leaders.

**How does Jeremiah 39:7 relate to other prophecies about Zedekiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah 39:7 is a direct and chilling fulfillment of several prophecies concerning King Zedekiah. The prophet Jeremiah himself had prophesied that Zedekiah would be taken captive by the Babylonians and brought to Babylon ([Jeremiah 32:5](/jeremiah/32-5 "Jeremiah 32:5 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Captivity")). Even more remarkably, the prophet Ezekiel, who was already in Babylonian exile, had prophesied that Zedekiah would be brought to Babylon but would "not see it, though he will die there" ([Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12:13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Blindness and Exile")). The blinding of Zedekiah precisely reconciled these two prophecies, ensuring he would indeed arrive in Babylon as a prisoner but without his sight, thus fulfilling both divine pronouncements with terrifying accuracy. This demonstrates the intricate and precise nature of God's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 39:7, with its depiction of Zedekiah's spiritual blindness leading to physical incapacitation and ultimate bondage, powerfully foreshadows the profound contrast found in Christ. Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was a failed shepherd who led his people into exile due to his disobedience and spiritual darkness. His eyes were put out, and he was bound in chains, a symbol of humanity's bondage to sin and its consequences. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the Good Shepherd, came not to be blinded and bound, but to give sight to the blind and to set the captives free. He is the "light of the world" who came to illuminate those living in darkness ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). While Zedekiah's judgment resulted from his broken covenant and rebellion, Christ perfectly fulfilled the covenant through His obedient life, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His suffering was not for His own sin, but to break the chains of sin and death that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His sacrificial work, Jesus offers spiritual sight to those who are blind to God's truth ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightened Eyes of the Heart")) and brings true freedom from the bondage of sin, fulfilling the ultimate hope that Zedekiah's tragic end could never provide ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 12:13

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Jeremiah 52:11

Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

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.

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

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.

Psalms 119:8

I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.