Jeremiah 52:29

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

In the eighteenth {H8083}{H6240} year {H8141} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} he carried away captive {H1540} from Jerusalem {H3389} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and two {H8147} persons {H5315}:

in the eighteenth year of N'vukhadretzar, 832 persons from Yerushalayim;

in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year, 832 people from Jerusalem;

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 52:29 records a specific detail concerning the Babylonian captivity of Judah, focusing on the second major deportation of Jewish people from Jerusalem.

Context

The book of Jeremiah concludes with chapter 52, which serves as a historical appendix, largely paralleling accounts found in 2 Kings 24-25. This particular verse details the second of three significant deportations orchestrated by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The "eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar" (often spelled Nebuchadnezzar) corresponds to the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign in Judah, which was the year Jerusalem finally fell after a prolonged siege. This was a catastrophic period for the Kingdom of Judah, marking the end of its independence and the beginning of the seventy-year Babylonian exile that Jeremiah had prophesied.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: This verse underscores the severe consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant. The exile was not arbitrary but a direct result of their rebellion, fulfilling numerous prophetic warnings.
  • Historical Precision: The specific number of captives (832 persons) and the exact year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign highlight the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical narrative. This detail lends credibility to the historical events described, even amidst national tragedy.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The ongoing deportations were a tangible fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies, which had warned of such destruction and captivity if the people did not repent. God's word, though often unwelcome, proved to be true.

Historical Significance

This deportation, occurring in Nebuchadnezzar's 18th year, is particularly significant as it followed the destruction of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. While the first deportation in Nebuchadnezzar's 7th year (Jeremiah 52:28) included prominent figures like King Jehoiachin and skilled craftsmen, this second wave primarily involved the remaining populace and those who had resisted the siege. A final, smaller deportation occurred five years later (Jeremiah 52:30), further emptying the land.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:29, though a factual historical record, carries profound lessons. It reminds us of God's unwavering justice and that disobedience, while sometimes delayed, ultimately brings consequences. Yet, even within this severe judgment, God's sovereignty is evident; He was working out His purposes, even through a foreign king like Nebuchadnezzar (see Jeremiah 27:6). For believers today, it serves as a sober reminder to heed God's word and warnings, finding hope in His ultimate faithfulness to His promises of restoration and new covenant, even after periods of discipline.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 12:5 (3 votes)

    And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

  • Jeremiah 52:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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,

  • 2 Chronicles 36:20 (2 votes)

    And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

  • Jeremiah 39:9 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 1:5 (2 votes)

    And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt [already].

  • 2 Kings 25:11 (2 votes)

    Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.