Jeremiah 39:9

KJV

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Nebuzaradan {H5018} the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} carried away captive {H1540} into Babylon {H894} the remnant {H3499} of the people {H5971} that remained {H7604} in the city {H5892}, and those that fell away {H5307}, that fell {H5307} to him, with the rest {H3499} of the people {H5971} that remained {H7604}.

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vuzar'adan commander of the guard then deported to Bavel the remaining population of the city, the deserters who had defected to him, and the rest of the people remaining.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away to Babylon the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him.

American Standard Version

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people that remained in the city, the deserters also that fell away to him, and the residue of the people that remained.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:9 meticulously records the extensive and final deportation of Jerusalem's surviving populace to Babylon, a grim culmination orchestrated by Nebuzaradan, the formidable captain of Nebuchadnezzar's imperial guard. This verse details the forced exile of both the "remnant" who endured the city's devastating siege and "those that fell away"—the defectors who had surrendered to the Babylonian forces. It powerfully signifies the definitive end of Judah's independent existence and the commencement of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, serving as a stark monument to God's long-prophesied judgment against His people's persistent rebellion and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 39 marks a pivotal and climactic moment in the book of Jeremiah, detailing the tragic fall of Jerusalem and the definitive end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 39:1-8](/jeremiah/39-1-8 "Jeremiah 39:1-8 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture")) vividly describe the breaching of the city walls, the desperate flight and subsequent capture of King Zedekiah, the brutal execution of his sons before his eyes, and his subsequent blinding and imprisonment. Jeremiah 39:9 then shifts the narrative focus from the royal family's demise to the comprehensive fate of the general populace, emphasizing their forced removal from their homeland. This verse acts as the final, sweeping act of divine judgment, emptying the land of its inhabitants as Jeremiah had consistently prophesied. The subsequent passages ([Jeremiah 39:10-14](/jeremiah/39-10-14 "Jeremiah 39:10-14 - Jeremiah's Release and Protection")) provide a brief, contrasting interlude, highlighting the special protection and freedom granted to Jeremiah himself by the Babylonians, underscoring God's faithfulness to His prophet even amidst the widespread devastation and judgment. The account here is further paralleled and expanded upon in [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), offering a comprehensive historical record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 39:9 unfolded in 586 BC, marking the third and final deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon, following earlier exiles in 605 BC and 597 BC. After an arduous eighteen-month siege, Jerusalem, once the proud capital and spiritual heart of Judah, lay in utter ruin, its magnificent Temple of Solomon destroyed. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the formidable King Nebuchadnezzar II, systematically employed mass deportation as a core imperial strategy. This policy aimed to dismantle national identity, prevent future rebellions by removing potential leaders and skilled laborers, and integrate conquered territories more effectively into their vast empire. Nebuzaradan, identified as the "captain of the guard," held an exceptionally high and fearsome position within the Babylonian military. His title (Hebrew: _rab ṭabbâch_) literally translates to "chief of the slaughterers" or "chief executioner," indicating his role as commander of the royal bodyguard, responsible for carrying out the king's most severe decrees, including executions and overseeing the forced removal of populations. The distinction between those who "remained in the city" (the siege survivors) and "those that fell away" (the defectors) reflects the intense social and political divisions within Jerusalem during the siege, where many, including Jeremiah, had advocated for surrender as God's will, while others fiercely resisted.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 39:9 profoundly articulates several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Primarily, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the exile to Babylon was the direct and inevitable consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of divine warnings, repeatedly foretold by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8-11 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")). This event powerfully demonstrates God's **Sovereignty and Justice**, revealing His absolute control over nations and history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment against His disobedient people. The verse also vividly portrays the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating the severe repercussions when a people defiantly rejects God's law and prophetic counsel, echoing the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Furthermore, while the immediate context is one of comprehensive judgment, the mention of a "remnant" subtly introduces the theological theme of God's preservation of a portion of His people, hinting at a future restoration and the enduring nature of His covenant promises, even amidst such profound devastation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carried away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to denude," often in a disgraceful or shameful sense, and by implication, "to exile." The act of being "carried away captive" was not merely a physical relocation but a profound stripping away of dignity, identity, and land. It represented a visible sign of God's judgment, leaving the people vulnerable and exposed, much as the land itself was "denuded" or emptied of its inhabitants. This word encompasses the complete loss of national sovereignty and personal freedom.
* **guard (Hebrew, _ṭabbâch'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to butcher," this term refers to a "butcher" and, by extension, a "lifeguardsman" or "executioner." The presence of Nebuzaradan, the "captain of the guard," therefore emphasizes the brutal, authoritative, and often deadly nature of the Babylonian forces. He was not merely a military commander but one associated with the grim task of carrying out the king's decrees, which included executions and the forced removal of populations. His title underscores the ruthlessness and finality of the Babylonian conquest.
* **fell away (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** This primitive root means "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, including to "fall away," "desert," or "surrender." In this specific context, it refers to those Jewish individuals who defected or surrendered to the Babylonians during the protracted siege of Jerusalem. This group is explicitly distinguished from "the remnant of the people that remained in the city," highlighting the different choices made by the populace during the crisis. Their "falling" was a literal act of moving from within the besieged city to the enemy's camp, but also a moral and political "falling away" from their nation's resistance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard":** This clause introduces the primary human agent of the deportation, a high-ranking Babylonian official. His title, "captain of the guard" (or chief of the executioners), immediately conveys his immense authority, his direct connection to the king, and the formidable, often brutal, power he wielded in implementing imperial decrees.
* **"carried away captive into Babylon":** This phrase describes the central action of the verse: the forced removal of the surviving population from their ancestral homeland to the distant imperial capital. It encapsulates the ultimate consequence of Judah's rebellion and the definitive fulfillment of prophetic warnings, marking the beginning of the seventy-year exile and the end of the kingdom of Judah.
* **"the remnant of the people that remained in the city":** This identifies the first group of deportees: the survivors who endured the grueling siege within Jerusalem's walls. Despite their resilience and suffering, they too faced the harsh reality of deportation, underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the Babylonian conquest and God's judgment.
* **"and those that fell away, that fell to him":** This clause specifies a second distinct group of deportees: those who had deserted the city during the siege and surrendered to the Babylonian forces. This group, having chosen to "fall" to the enemy, perhaps hoping for clemency, nonetheless shared the fate of exile, illustrating the universal scope of the judgment upon the land's inhabitants.
* **"with the rest of the people that remained":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic summation, reinforcing the idea that virtually all remaining inhabitants, regardless of their prior allegiance or actions during the siege, were swept into captivity. It underscores the thoroughness of the deportation and the profound desolation left in its wake, signifying the near-complete emptying of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:9 employs several literary devices to underscore the severity and comprehensiveness of the judgment. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly in the phrases "remained" (Hebrew: _shâʼar_) and "fell" (Hebrew: _nâphal_). The repeated use of "remained" first describes those in the city, then generally refers to the totality of the deported, emphasizing the exhaustive nature of the exile. Similarly, the repetition of "fell away, that fell to him" highlights the deliberate action of defection. This repetition serves to distinguish between the two groups of survivors while ultimately uniting them under the single, inescapable fate of exile, thereby emphasizing the totality of the judgment. There is a subtle **Irony** in the phrase "the remnant of the people that remained." While "remnant" often carries theological connotations of a preserved group for future hope, here, the "remnant" is preserved only to be carried into exile, highlighting the immediate and devastating nature of the judgment rather than a promise of immediate restoration. Furthermore, the figure of Nebuzaradan, the "captain of the guard," functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where his title and person stand in for the entire, overwhelming power and ruthless efficiency of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and, by extension, the divine judgment it was instrumental in executing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:9 serves as a stark and enduring testament to the unwavering nature of God's covenant and His righteous justice. The comprehensive deportation was not merely a random act of war but the precise fulfillment of centuries of prophetic warnings regarding the dire consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of divine instruction. It powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate history and use even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment. While devastating in its immediate impact, this judgment was also redemptive in its ultimate purpose, intended to purify a rebellious people, humble them, and prepare them for a future restoration and a renewed relationship with their God. This pivotal event stands as a profound reminder that God's word is eternally true, whether in its warnings of judgment or its promises of restoration, and that persistent disobedience inevitably carries profound and far-reaching consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Prophecy of Foreign Invasion and Exile")
* [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah's Desolation and Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid scene depicted in Jeremiah 39:9, though rooted in ancient history, resonates with timeless truths about God's character and humanity's enduring struggle with obedience. It serves as a somber and potent reminder that God's warnings, articulated through His Word and His messengers, are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against divine truth. For believers today, this passage underscores the profound seriousness of sin and the ultimate futility of resisting God's sovereign will. Yet, even in this moment of severe judgment, we can discern God's underlying sovereignty and His steadfast faithfulness to His ultimate plan for His people. The exile, though agonizing, was a crucible designed to refine, humble, and ultimately restore a people. This passage calls us to a deep introspection: to heed God's word with diligence, to honestly examine our own lives for areas of disobedience or compromise, and to cultivate a profound trust in His sovereign hand. It reminds us that even in difficult circumstances and periods of divine discipline, God is actively working out His redemptive purposes, often leading us through trials to a deeper reliance on Him and a greater appreciation for His boundless grace and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian deportation in Jeremiah 39:9 deepen my understanding of God's justice and His sovereign control over historical events?**
* **In what ways might I, or the church today, be prone to "falling away" from God's truth or commands, and what are the potential spiritual consequences of such actions?**
* **What enduring lessons can I draw from Judah's experience of severe judgment that might inform my personal walk of faith or the collective witness of the Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Who was Nebuzaradan?**

Answer: Nebuzaradan was a highly influential and powerful Babylonian military official, specifically designated as the "captain of the guard" (or "chief of the executioners" in many translations) under the formidable King Nebuchadnezzar II. His role was paramount in the final stages of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, as he was directly responsible for implementing the king's orders concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, including the Temple, and the systematic deportation of its inhabitants. His actions are extensively detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 52:12-26](/jeremiah/52-12-26 "Jeremiah 52:12-26 - Nebuzaradan's Role in Jerusalem's Destruction").

**What does "captain of the guard" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "captain of the guard" (Hebrew: _rab ṭabbâch_) indicates a position of immense authority and a grim, often brutal, function within the Babylonian imperial structure. The Hebrew term _ṭabbâch_ literally means "butcher" or "slaughterer," implying that the "guard" was effectively the royal bodyguard responsible for carrying out executions and enforcing the king's decrees, often through violent means. Therefore, Nebuzaradan was not merely a military commander but the chief of the royal executioners, a key figure in the implementation of Babylon's ruthless policies of conquest and population control. His presence underscores the severity and finality of the judgment meted out to Jerusalem.

**Who were "those that fell away, that fell to him"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the Jewish defectors or deserters who, during the prolonged and grueling siege of Jerusalem, chose to surrender to the Babylonian forces rather than continue resisting. The prophet Jeremiah himself had consistently advised surrender, recognizing it as God's will and the only path to survival for the people ([Jeremiah 21:8-9](/jeremiah/21-8-9 "Jeremiah 21:8-9 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Surrender")). These individuals, having "fallen away" from their nation's resistance, perhaps hoped for more lenient treatment or a better fate. However, Jeremiah 39:9 reveals that even they were ultimately carried away into exile, albeit possibly under different conditions than those who resisted until the very end, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

**Why were the people carried away captive into Babylon?**

Answer: The deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon was a multifaceted event with both human and divine motivations. From a human perspective, it was a strategic policy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire to crush national identity, prevent future rebellions by removing potential leaders and skilled laborers, and integrate conquered populations into their vast empire for economic and military benefit. From a divine perspective, it was the culmination of God's righteous judgment against Judah for centuries of persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and the rejection of His prophets' warnings ([Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon and Warning of Judgment")). The exile served as a severe discipline, intended to purify the remnant of Israel, humble them, and lead them to repentance, ultimately fulfilling God's long-term redemptive plan for a future restoration and a renewed covenant relationship ([Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Prophecy of Return and Restoration")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 39:9, with its stark depiction of comprehensive judgment and the exile of God's people, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a physical return to a land, but in the spiritual reality of redemption and restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. The Babylonian exile was the devastating consequence of sin and covenant breaking, a heavy burden that humanity, in its fallen state, was utterly incapable of lifting. Christ, as the true Lamb of God, bore the full weight of this judgment, willingly becoming an "exile" from the Father's immediate presence on the cross, enduring the ultimate separation so that His people might never face eternal condemnation or spiritual alienation from God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

The "remnant" carried into Babylon foreshadows the true spiritual remnant, the Church, which is not defined by physical lineage or geographical location, but by saving faith in Jesus Christ. This new spiritual Israel is gathered by Christ from every nation, tribe, and tongue, demonstrating God's expansive redemptive purpose ([Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Romans 9:27-29 - The Remnant of Israel")). While some in Jeremiah's day "fell away" from their nation's resistance, this historical event also points to the spiritual reality that many will reject God's gracious call. Yet, those who truly "fall to" Christ in humble faith find eternal life and spiritual liberation, not further judgment, for He promises to never cast out those who come to Him ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - Jesus Will Not Cast Out Those Who Come to Him")).

Ultimately, the new covenant, so richly promised in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), is inaugurated in Christ's sacrificial blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")) and represents the true and final "return from exile." It is a spiritual restoration where God's law is written on renewed hearts, sins are remembered no more, and His people are brought into an unbreakable, intimate relationship with Him. Jesus, as the greater King and the Good Shepherd, gathers His people from the "Babylon" of sin and the world system, leading them not to an earthly Jerusalem, but to the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where all tears are wiped away, and there is no more weeping, sorrow, or spiritual exile ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 40:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon.

Genesis 37:36

And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

2 Kings 25:20

And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:

Jeremiah 52:26

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

Jeremiah 10:18

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find [it so].

Jeremiah 52:12

¶ Now in the fifth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, which [was] the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, [which] served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem,

Jeremiah 52:16

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