Jeremiah 52:17

Also the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

Also the pillars {H5982} of brass {H5178} that were in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the bases {H4350}, and the brasen {H5178} sea {H3220} that was in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, the Chaldeans {H3778} brake {H7665}, and carried {H5375} all the brass {H5178} of them to Babylon {H894}.

The Kasdim smashed the bronze columns of the house of ADONAI, also the trolleys and bronze Sea that were in the house of ADONAI, and carried their bronze to Bavel.

Moreover, the Chaldeans broke up the bronze pillars and stands and the bronze Sea in the house of the LORD, and they carried all the bronze to Babylon.

And the pillars of brass that were in the house of Jehovah, and the bases and the brazen sea that were in the house of Jehovah, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

Commentary

Jeremiah 52:17 vividly describes the systematic dismantling and plundering of the Jerusalem Temple by the invading Babylonian forces. This verse focuses on the removal of significant brass (bronze) artifacts, underscoring the completeness of the temple's desecration and the city's fall.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah chapter 52, which serves as an appendix to the book of Jeremiah, largely mirroring the account found in 2 Kings 25. It details the final siege of Jerusalem, the capture of King Zedekiah, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the people to Babylon. Jeremiah 52:17 specifically highlights the systematic looting of the Temple's precious items, a tangible sign of Judah's defeat and the fulfillment of God's warnings regarding their idolatry and disobedience. The events described here mark the devastating end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual reflection for the Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The destruction of the Temple and the removal of its sacred objects serve as a stark manifestation of God's judgment against Judah for their persistent sin and rebellion. It demonstrates that even the physical presence of God's house would not protect a disobedient people.
  • Desecration and Plunder: The breaking and carrying away of the brass items symbolize the complete subjugation of Judah and the desecration of what was once considered the holiest place on earth. It was a visible sign of their loss of autonomy and divine favor.
  • Loss and Exile: The plundering of the Temple directly precedes the mass deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon, emphasizing the total loss of their homeland, their religious center, and their national identity.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Pillars of brass": These refer to the two massive bronze pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. They were not merely structural but bore symbolic significance, representing strength and stability. Their creation is detailed in 1 Kings 7:15-22 and 2 Chronicles 3:15-17.
  • "Brasen sea": This was an enormous bronze basin, supported by twelve bronze oxen, used by the priests for ceremonial washing. It symbolized purification and was a central feature of the Temple courtyard. Its construction is described in 1 Kings 7:23-26.
  • "Chaldeans": This is another name for the Babylonians, the dominant Mesopotamian power of the time, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. Their actions here fulfill numerous prophecies of conquest and destruction.
  • "Brake, and carried all the brass": This phrase emphasizes the methodical and thorough nature of the plunder. The Babylonians were not merely looting; they were dismantling the Temple to strip it of its valuable materials, further highlighting the extent of the destruction and the end of an era.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:17 serves as a powerful reminder that outward religious practices or the presence of sacred objects do not guarantee God's favor if the heart of the people is far from Him. It underscores the importance of genuine obedience and faithfulness over mere ritual or physical structures. For believers today, this passage can prompt reflection on where our trust lies—in physical symbols or in a living relationship with God. It also reminds us that God's word, including His warnings, will always come to pass, and that He is sovereign even in times of profound judgment and loss. The ultimate hope is not in a physical temple, but in the spiritual reality of God's presence, which the New Testament reveals is found in Christ and in His people, the Church (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 27:19

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

  • Jeremiah 27:22

    They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:12

    [To wit], the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters [which were] on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which [were] on the top of the pillars;

  • 2 Chronicles 4:15

    One sea, and twelve oxen under it.

  • Jeremiah 52:21

    And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow.

  • Jeremiah 52:23

    And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; [and] all the pomegranates upon the network [were] an hundred round about.

  • Daniel 1:2

    And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.