Jeremiah 52:12

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now in the fifth {H2549} month {H2320}, in the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, which was the nineteenth {H8672}{H6240}{H8141} year {H8141} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, came {H935} Nebuzaradan {H5018}, captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876}, which served {H5975}{H6440} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, into Jerusalem {H3389},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, which was also the nineteenth year of King N'vukhadretzar, king of Bavel, N'vuzar'adan, the commander of the guard and a close associate of the king of Bavel, entered Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Now in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, who stood before the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:12 provides a precise historical timestamp for the catastrophic climax of Judah's rebellion against God: the final destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This verse chronicles the arrival of Nebuzaradan, the formidable captain of Nebuchadrezzar's guard, in Jerusalem, marking the definitive moment when the city's prolonged siege gave way to its ultimate devastation and the commencement of the main Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 serves as a historical appendix to the prophetic book, offering a detailed, factual account of Jerusalem's fall and the subsequent deportations. It largely parallels the narrative found in [2 Kings 25:8-21](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-21 - The Fall of Jerusalem"), providing a crucial historical anchor for Jeremiah's preceding prophecies of judgment and exile. While the bulk of Jeremiah's book is prophetic utterance, warnings, and laments, chapter 52 acts as a stark, undeniable fulfillment, demonstrating the accuracy of God's word through His prophet. It underscores that the warnings were not idle threats but divine declarations that would inevitably come to pass if Judah persisted in its unfaithfulness, as indeed it did. The chapter also details the various waves of deportation, providing a comprehensive overview of the exile's impact, which was a central theme of Jeremiah's ministry, as seen in his letter to the exiles in [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Letter to the Exiles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon" (circa 586 BC) signifies the culmination of a series of Babylonian campaigns against Judah. Nebuchadrezzar (also known as Nebuchadnezzar), the powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, had already asserted his dominance over Judah, leading to earlier deportations, notably in 605 BC and 597 BC, the latter involving King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's elite, as recorded in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity"). The arrival of Nebuzaradan, identified as the "captain of the guard," was a significant event. This title (Hebrew: `rab-ṭabbāḥîm`) indicates a high-ranking military official, often translated as chief executioner or commander of the royal bodyguard. His presence signaled not merely a military occupation but the king's direct and final judgment, implying a mission of severe punishment and destruction. The "tenth day of the fifth month" (the Hebrew month of Av) became a profound day of mourning and fasting in Jewish tradition (Tisha B'Av), commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, highlighting the deep and lasting trauma of this event.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 52:12 powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the Book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it embodies the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah's persistent warnings of judgment against an unrepentant Judah reach their devastating conclusion, underscoring God's faithfulness to His word, whether in blessing or in judgment. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience and Idolatry**. Despite numerous calls to repentance and the clear exposition of covenant curses, Judah's leaders and people continued in their apostasy, leading to this ultimate divine discipline. This serves as a stark reminder that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and His justice will prevail, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon"). Thirdly, the detailed chronological and personnel information emphasizes the **Historical Veracity and Precision** of the biblical account, grounding these theological truths in verifiable historical events. Finally, even in this moment of profound judgment, there is an underlying theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations—even pagan empires like Babylon—to accomplish His righteous purposes, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nebuzaradan (Hebrew, _Nᵉbûwzarʼădân'_):** This Babylonian general, whose name is of foreign origin, is identified as a key figure in the final destruction of Jerusalem. His presence signifies the direct and authoritative hand of Nebuchadrezzar in the execution of judgment. As the "captain of the guard," his role was one of immense power, responsible for the king's personal security and often involved in carrying out royal decrees, including executions or major military operations. His arrival was not merely that of an invading officer but of the king's chief agent for the city's demise.
* **captain of the guard (Hebrew, _rab ṭabbâch'_):** The term `ṭabbâch` literally means "butcher" or "slaughterer," and by extension, a "lifeguardsman" or "executioner." This dual meaning is highly significant. While Nebuzaradan was the commander of the royal bodyguard, his title also implicitly conveys the brutal nature of his mission: to slaughter and destroy. His function was not merely to protect the king but also to enforce his will through violence, making him the perfect instrument for the devastating judgment on Jerusalem.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** The capital city of Palestine, often interpreted as "founded peaceful." This name carries immense theological and historical weight. It was the city of David, the site of Solomon's Temple, and the spiritual heart of Israel. Its destruction, therefore, was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis, representing the apparent failure of God's covenant promises and the shattering of Israel's national and religious identity. The arrival of Nebuzaradan "into Jerusalem" marks the invasion of this sacred space by a foreign, pagan power, symbolizing the complete overturning of the established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month":** This precise chronological detail anchors the event firmly in history. The "fifth month" (Av) and "tenth day" correspond to a specific date in the Hebrew calendar, which became a day of national mourning (Tisha B'Av) due to the profound tragedy it marked. This specificity underscores the deliberate and verifiable nature of God's judgment.
* **"which was the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon":** This provides a second, equally precise chronological marker, aligning the event with the reign of the dominant world power of the time. Nebuchadrezzar's "nineteenth year" (calculated from his accession) firmly places the destruction within the established historical timeline of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, demonstrating the biblical narrative's engagement with known ancient Near Eastern history.
* **"came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, which served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem":** This clause identifies the key agent of destruction and the target. Nebuzaradan's arrival, as the king's chief enforcer, signals the end of the siege and the beginning of the city's systematic dismantling. The phrase "served the king of Babylon" emphasizes his direct authority and loyalty to Nebuchadrezzar, highlighting that this was a state-sanctioned act of imperial power, albeit one orchestrated by divine will. His entry "into Jerusalem" signifies the breach of the city's defenses and the final, devastating invasion of the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:12 employs several significant literary devices. **Historical Precision** is paramount, with the verse meticulously detailing the exact date and key figures involved. This serves to authenticate the narrative, grounding the theological message in verifiable historical fact. The specific mention of "the fifth month, in the tenth day" and "the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar" transforms a general historical event into a precisely documented moment of divine judgment. There is also a strong sense of **Culmination**, as this verse marks the definitive end of a long period of prophecy and warning. It is the tragic fulfillment of Jeremiah's relentless pronouncements, creating a powerful sense of an inevitable, divinely ordained conclusion to Judah's unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the description of Nebuzaradan as "captain of the guard" (or chief executioner) carries a subtle **Irony** and **Symbolism**. His title, implying protection or royal service, here signifies destruction and the carrying out of a death sentence upon a nation. His very presence in Jerusalem symbolizes the complete overturning of the city's security and sacred status, turning a place of divine dwelling into a target of divine wrath executed through human agents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:12 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It demonstrates that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also holy and righteous, holding His people accountable for their persistent sin and rebellion. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, the very symbols of God's presence and covenant with Israel, underscores that even sacred institutions are not immune to judgment when the people fail to uphold their end of the covenant. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are conditional upon obedience and that His warnings are not to be taken lightly. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty, using even pagan empires as instruments of His divine will to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or in eventual restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:1-22](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1-22 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Ezekiel 5:5-17](/ezekiel/5-5 "Ezekiel 5:5-17 - Judgment on Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:12, though detailing a devastating historical event, offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a solemn reminder that God is both loving and just, and that His warnings, delivered through His Word and Spirit, are to be heeded with utmost seriousness. Just as Judah faced the consequences of its persistent rebellion and idolatry, we too must recognize that sin has real and often painful repercussions, both individually and corporately. This verse calls us to a deep humility and a renewed commitment to obedience, understanding that true faith is demonstrated not merely by profession but by faithful living. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for areas of compromise or disobedience, prompting us to repent and return to the Lord. Ultimately, it reinforces the profound truth of God's sovereignty: even in moments of profound brokenness and judgment, He remains in control, working out His ultimate purposes for redemption and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical precision of Jeremiah 52:12 strengthen your trust in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as the church, be prone to the same spiritual complacency or disobedience that led to Judah's downfall?**
* **What are the "warnings" that God is speaking to us today, and how are we responding to them?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as demonstrated in this verse, deepen your appreciation for His mercy and grace?**

### FAQ
**Why is the date of Jerusalem's destruction so precisely recorded in Jeremiah 52:12?**

Answer: The precise recording of the date ("fifth month, in the tenth day...nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar") in [Jeremiah 52:12](/jeremiah/52-12 "Jeremiah 52:12 - The Fall of Jerusalem") serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the historical veracity of the biblical account, aligning it with known ancient Near Eastern chronicles and demonstrating its reliability. This level of detail was common in official records of the time, lending credibility to the narrative. Secondly, it highlights the profound significance of the event. The destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple was not a random occurrence but a climactic moment of divine judgment, meticulously orchestrated and fulfilled. The exact date became a perpetual memorial and a day of national mourning (Tisha B'Av) for the Jewish people, emphasizing the deep and lasting impact of this catastrophe. It also demonstrates God's sovereignty, showing that even the timing of such a devastating event was within His divine plan.

**Who was Nebuzaradan and what was his significance in the destruction of Jerusalem?**

Answer: Nebuzaradan was the "captain of the guard" (Hebrew: `rab-ṭabbāḥîm`) under King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon. This title indicates he was a high-ranking military official, often serving as the chief executioner or commander of the royal bodyguard. His significance in the destruction of Jerusalem, as detailed in [Jeremiah 52:12-14](/jeremiah/52-12 "Jeremiah 52:12-14 - Nebuzaradan's Actions"), was immense. He was not just any general but the king's personal representative and chief agent for carrying out the final, devastating judgment on the city. His arrival signaled the end of the siege and the beginning of the systematic destruction of the Temple, the royal palace, and the city walls, followed by the deportation of the remaining population. He was the instrument through whom Nebuchadrezzar's wrath, and ultimately God's judgment, was executed upon Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The devastating judgment upon Jerusalem in [Jeremiah 52:12](/jeremiah/52-12 "Jeremiah 52:12 - The Fall of Jerusalem"), though a historical calamity, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin and points to the redemptive work of Christ. The destruction of the Temple, the physical dwelling place of God, underscored humanity's inability to maintain a perfect relationship with a holy God through ritual and law alone. It revealed the deep-seated sinfulness that required a more profound solution. This void is perfectly filled by Jesus Christ, who declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus and the Temple")), speaking of His own body. He becomes the true Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, fulfilling the need for a perfect sacrifice that the old covenant system could not ultimately provide. The judgment against Jerusalem for its covenant infidelity ultimately points to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, where forgiveness of sins is fully and finally secured, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and perfectly inaugurated through Christ's death and resurrection ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Better Covenant")). The sorrow of Jerusalem's fall gives way to the joy of salvation found in 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")), offering a spiritual kingdom that cannot be destroyed by earthly powers ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness")).

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 25:8

¶ And in the fifth month, on the seventh [day] of the month, which [is] the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:

Zechariah 8:19

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Jeremiah 39:9

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.

Jeremiah 52:29

In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty and two persons:

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

Genesis 37:36

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

Jeremiah 52:14

And all the army of the Chaldeans, that [were] with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.