Jeremiah 52:32

And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that [were] with him in Babylon,

And spake {H1696} kindly {H2896} unto him, and set {H5414} his throne {H3678} above {H4605} the throne {H3678} of the kings {H4428} that were with him in Babylon {H894},

He treated him with kindness and gave him a throne higher than those of the other kings there with him in Bavel.

And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon.

and he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon,

Jeremiah 52:32 KJV describes a significant turning point in the life of Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, during his long captivity in Babylon. This verse, part of the book's epilogue, reveals an unexpected act of kindness from Evil-merodach, the new king of Babylon, towards the exiled monarch.

Context

This verse is the beginning of the final four verses of the book of Jeremiah, which serve as a historical appendix. It details the release of Jehoiachin from prison in the 37th year of his captivity, specifically in the first year of Evil-merodach's reign (around 562 BC). Jehoiachin had been king of Judah for only three months before being deported to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, along with many nobles and skilled craftsmen (2 Kings 24:15). The account here in Jeremiah 52 parallels the one found in 2 Kings 25:27-30, providing a final historical note on the fate of the Davidic line after the fall of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: Even in the darkest period of exile and national devastation, God's hand was still at work. This unexpected favor shown to Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, subtly points to God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preservation of the royal line (2 Samuel 7:16).
  • Hope Amidst Despair: The book of Jeremiah is largely a chronicle of judgment, destruction, and impending doom for Judah. This epilogue, detailing Jehoiachin's elevation, offers a small but significant glimmer of hope. It suggests that even after severe punishment, God's ultimate plan is not one of complete annihilation but includes a future for His people and their restoration.
  • Grace and Favor: The act of Evil-merodach speaking "kindly" to Jehoiachin and elevating him above other captive kings was an unmerited favor. It highlights how God can use even foreign rulers to achieve His purposes and extend mercy, even when it seems least expected.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spake kindly unto him" translates the Hebrew word tovot (טֹבֹת), which literally means "good things" or "favorable things." This implies not just polite words, but a benevolent disposition and actions that followed, leading to Jehoiachin's improved conditions. The "throne" (Hebrew: kisse) here signifies not ruling authority over Judah, but a place of honor and elevated status among the other dignitaries in Babylon, providing for his needs and dignity.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:32 reminds us that even in prolonged periods of difficulty, suffering, or waiting, God's providence is at work. Just as Jehoiachin experienced an unexpected turn for the better after decades of imprisonment, we can trust that God's plan for us often unfolds in surprising ways. This verse encourages perseverance and faith, knowing that God's mercies are new every morning, and His ultimate purposes are always for good, even if the path to them is long and arduous. It's a testament to the enduring hope found in divine faithfulness.

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.

  • Proverbs 12:25

    ¶ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

  • Daniel 5:18

    O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

  • Daniel 5:19

    And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

  • Jeremiah 27:6

    And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

  • Jeremiah 27:11

    But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back