Jeremiah 52:31

ยถ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,

And it came to pass in the seven {H7651} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of the captivity {H1546} of Jehoiachin {H3078} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} month {H2320}, in the five {H2568} and twentieth {H6242} day of the month {H2320}, that Evilmerodach {H192} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} in the first year {H8141} of his reign {H4438} lifted up {H5375} the head {H7218} of Jehoiachin {H3078} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and brought him forth {H3318} out of prison {H1004}{H3628},

In the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Y'hoyakhin king of Y'hudah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, Eveel-M'rodakh began his reign as king of Bavel; and in his first year, he commuted the sentence of Y'hoyakhin king of Y'hudah and released him from prison.

On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the first year of the reign of Evil-merodach king of Babylon, he pardoned Jehoiachin king of Judah and released him from prison.

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison;

Commentary

Jeremiah 52:31 serves as a crucial historical appendix to the Book of Jeremiah, mirroring details found in 2 Kings 25:27-30. It records a significant, albeit partial, reversal of fortune for Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, after decades of imprisonment in Babylon.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse marks a specific date: 37 years into Jehoiachin's captivity, during the first year of Evil-merodach's reign as king of Babylon. Jehoiachin had been taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar during the first major deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC, as described in 2 Kings 24:15 and 2 Chronicles 36:10. His long imprisonment symbolized the utter subjugation of Judah. Evil-merodach (also known as Amel-Marduk) was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, and his decision to release Jehoiachin from prison and elevate his status was an act of royal clemency, possibly intended to consolidate his own power or signal a new era.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Exile: Even in the midst of Judah's deepest humiliation and long captivity, God's hand is evident. The rise and fall of kings, even pagan ones like Evil-merodach, are ultimately part of God's overarching plan. This small act of mercy offered a glimpse of divine providence at work, even in the heart of Babylon, hinting at the eventual restoration of Judah.
  • Glimmer of Hope: While not a full release or return to the throne, Jehoiachin's elevation from prison offered a significant improvement in his circumstances. It represented a ray of hope for the exiled community, suggesting that God had not entirely forgotten His people, even in their darkest hour.
  • End of an Era: The mention of Jehoiachin, though in captivity, serves as a final historical marker for the Davidic line of kings within the book of Jeremiah, emphasizing the end of Judah's independent monarchy and the beginning of a new phase for God's covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lifted up the head" (Hebrew: ื ึธืฉึธื‚ื ืจึนืืฉื, nasa rosh) is an ancient idiom signifying to release from prison, to show favor, or to restore to a position of honor. It implies more than just physical release; it suggests an elevation of status and dignity, a significant improvement from the harsh conditions of a Babylonian prison.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:31 reminds us that even in prolonged periods of suffering, waiting, or apparent abandonment, God is still at work. Small acts of kindness or unexpected turns of events can be signs of His continuing providence and faithfulness. For those enduring difficult circumstances, this verse offers a testament to God's remembrance of His people and His ability to bring about change, even when it seems impossible or delayed. It encourages patience and trust that God's plans, though sometimes unfolding slowly, are always purposeful and ultimately for the good of His people.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 25:27

    And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

  • 2 Kings 25:30

    And his allowance [was] a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

  • Psalms 3:3

    But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

  • Genesis 40:13

    Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

  • Psalms 27:6

    And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

  • Proverbs 21:1

    ยถ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

  • Genesis 40:20

    ยถ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.