Jeremiah 52:25

He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city.

He took {H3947} also out of the city {H5892} an {H259} eunuch {H5631}, which had the charge {H6496} of the men {H582} of war {H4421}; and seven {H7651} men {H582} of them that were near {H7200} the king's {H4428} person {H6440}, which were found {H4672} in the city {H5892}; and the principal {H8269} scribe {H5608} of the host {H6635}, who mustered {H6633} the people {H5971} of the land {H776}; and threescore {H8346} men {H376} of the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, that were found {H4672} in the midst {H8432} of the city {H5892}.

From the city he took an official in charge of the soldiers, seven close associates of the king who had been found in the city, the army commander's secretary in charge of military conscription, and sixty of the common people found inside the city.

Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as seven trusted royal advisers. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city.

and out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war; and seven men of them that saw the king’s face, that were found in the city; and the scribe of the captain of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city.

Jeremiah 52:25 details a grim scene from the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonians. It lists specific high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens captured by Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, for deportation or execution, illustrating the complete subjugation of the Kingdom of Judah.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, which largely mirrors the historical account found in 2 Kings 25. It describes the final, devastating phase of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the capture of King Zedekiah, and the subsequent destruction of the city and its temple in 586 BC. After the city walls were breached and the remaining population captured, Nebuzaradan was tasked with overseeing the final stages of judgment, including identifying and apprehending key figures of the defeated kingdom. The individuals mentioned in this verse represent the remnants of Judah's leadership and social structure, now utterly dismantled.

Key Figures and Roles

  • An eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war: This indicates a highly trusted and influential official, often a royal administrator, who held significant military authority. Eunuchs often served in positions of power and trust within ancient Near Eastern courts.
  • Seven men of them that were near the king's person: These were likely royal advisors, close confidantes, or perhaps elite bodyguards. Their capture signifies the complete collapse of King Zedekiah's inner circle and the end of Judah's independent monarchy.
  • The principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land: This individual was the chief military secretary or conscription officer, responsible for maintaining records, managing army logistics, and mobilizing the population for war. His capture confirms the disbanding of Judah's military and administrative capabilities.
  • Threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city: This refers to sixty common citizens, possibly influential individuals or just a representative group caught in the final sweep. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of the Babylonian capture, affecting all levels of society.

Themes and Significance

  • Total Collapse and Humiliation: The meticulous listing of these captured officials underscores the absolute and humiliating defeat of Judah. No segment of society, from the highest military administrator to the ordinary citizen, escaped the judgment.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse serves as a stark testament to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's long-standing prophecies concerning Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian captivity. God's word, though often ignored, proved true.
  • Divine Judgment: The capture and impending fate of these individuals reflect the severe consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant. It is a powerful illustration of God's justice in the face of unrepentant sin.
  • Loss of Sovereignty: The removal of these leaders signifies the definitive end of Judah's independent kingdom and its complete subjugation under foreign rule, setting the stage for the deportations to Babylon.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "eunuch," saris (סָרִיס), could refer to a castrated male, but it often functioned as a title for a high court official, regardless of physical condition, indicating a position of trust and power. The "scribe of the host," sopher haṣṣābā’ (סֹפֵר הַצָּבָא), denotes a crucial military administrative role, highlighting the organized dismantling of Judah's defense system.

Reflection

Jeremiah 52:25 is a somber reminder of the depth of God's judgment when His people turn away from Him. It shows that no position or status can protect individuals or nations from the consequences of persistent disobedience. For the people of God, it emphasizes the importance of heeding divine warnings and living in covenant faithfulness. For all, it underscores the gravity of God's justice and the ultimate triumph of His will, even through devastating historical events. The fall of Jerusalem was not merely a political defeat but a spiritual consequence, fulfilling the words spoken by the prophets.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 25:19

    And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land [that were] found in the city:

  • Esther 1:14

    And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)

  • Matthew 18:10

    Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

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