Jeremiah 52:4

KJV

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the ninth {H8671} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427}, in the tenth {H6224} month {H2320}, in the tenth {H6218} day of the month {H2320}, that Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} came {H935}, he and all his army {H2428}, against Jerusalem {H3389}, and pitched {H2583} against it, and built {H1129} forts {H1785} against it round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel marched against Yerushalayim with his entire army. He set up camp against it and built siege towers against it on every side.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:4 meticulously records the precise commencement of the final Babylonian siege against Jerusalem, detailing the arrival of King Nebuchadrezzar and his formidable army. This pivotal moment, occurring in the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign, marks the beginning of the end for the independent Kingdom of Judah, serving as the culmination of generations of prophetic warnings and the fulfillment of divine judgment against a disobedient people. The verse vividly portrays the overwhelming force brought against the city, setting the stage for its eventual destruction and the subsequent exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 serves as an appendix to the book of Jeremiah, largely paralleling and expanding upon the account found in [2 Kings 24-25](/2-kings/24 "2 Kings 24-25 - Judah's Final Days"). While much of Jeremiah is prophetic or biographical, Chapter 52 provides a historical summary of Jerusalem's fall, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exiles, serving as a grim testament to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's long-standing prophecies of judgment. This verse, identical to [2 Kings 25:1](/2-kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - The Beginning of Jerusalem's Final Siege"), establishes the exact chronological starting point of the final siege, confirming the accuracy and historical grounding of Jeremiah's message and the unfolding of God's predetermined plan. It transitions from the pronouncements of doom to their devastating realization.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to 588 BC was one of intense geopolitical turmoil in the Ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadrezzar II, had risen to dominate the region, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt. Judah, a small kingdom caught between these superpowers, had become a vassal state to Babylon. King Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadrezzar, rebelled against his overlord, foolishly seeking an alliance with Egypt, despite the prophet Jeremiah's repeated warnings to submit to Babylon as God's instrument of judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:8-11](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8-11 - Submit to Babylon")). The siege described here was Babylon's response to this rebellion, a standard practice of ancient empires to crush dissent and secure their dominion. The "forts" mentioned refer to siege ramps, towers, and circumvallation lines, designed to isolate, bombard, and eventually breach the city's defenses.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over nations and history; Nebuchadrezzar, though a pagan king, was God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, a theme emphasized in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadrezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, it demonstrates the **Consequences of Disobedience** and rebellion against God's revealed will; Judah's national catastrophe was a direct result of their spiritual apostasy and rejection of prophetic warnings. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah's dire predictions regarding Jerusalem's destruction (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:7](/jeremiah/21-7 "Jeremiah 21:7 - Jerusalem's Destruction Foretold")) began their final, irreversible unfolding. Finally, it sets the stage for the **Exile**, a period of profound theological reflection and purification for the remnant of Israel, a theme that finds its promise of restoration in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nebuchadrezzar (Hebrew, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar'_):** H5019. This is the specific spelling used consistently in Jeremiah and Ezekiel for the powerful king of Babylon who orchestrated the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The name itself is of foreign derivation, likely Babylonian, meaning "Nabu protect my firstborn son" or "Nabu protect the crown." His appearance signifies the arrival of the divinely appointed instrument of judgment, highlighting God's sovereign control over even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.
* **pitched (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** H2583. This primitive root means "to incline," but by implication, "to decline" (as the sun's rays), and more specifically, "to pitch a tent" or "to encamp." In the context of warfare, it signifies the act of setting up a military camp for an extended period, often for the purpose of a siege. Here, it conveys the deliberate, methodical, and determined nature of the Babylonian army's actions, indicating they were settling in for a prolonged assault rather than a swift raid.
* **forts (Hebrew, _dâyêq'_):** H1785. Derived from a root meaning "to batter," this term refers to a battering-tower or a siege-work, specifically a circumvallation or siege-wall. These were structures built by besieging armies to encircle a city, prevent escape or relief, and provide elevated positions for attack. The mention of "forts" emphasizes the thoroughness and advanced military engineering of Nebuchadrezzar's army, leaving Jerusalem no avenue for relief or retreat and signaling the absolute determination of the Babylonians to conquer the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month,"**: This opening clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker for the beginning of the siege. "His reign" refers to King Zedekiah of Judah. The date corresponds to the 10th day of the 10th month (Tevet) in Zedekiah's ninth regnal year, which is historically calculated to be January 15, 588 BC. This meticulous dating underscores the historical veracity and divine orchestration of these events, marking a specific, irreversible turning point in Judah's history.
* **"[that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem,"**: This identifies the primary aggressor and the target. Nebuchadrezzar, the formidable ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, arrived with his entire military force, emphasizing the overwhelming might and resources brought to bear against the relatively small kingdom of Judah. The phrase "all his army" conveys the sheer scale and inevitability of the impending conflict, highlighting that this was not a minor skirmish but a full-scale invasion aimed at total subjugation.
* **"and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about."**: This final clause describes the immediate actions taken by the Babylonian army upon arrival. "Pitched against it" signifies the establishment of a permanent encampment around Jerusalem, initiating the siege. The construction of "forts" (Hebrew, _dâyêq_), likely siege ramps, towers, and circumvallation walls, demonstrates a comprehensive and methodical strategy to completely encircle, isolate, and eventually breach the city's defenses. This tactical detail illustrates the Babylonians' determination to starve or batter Jerusalem into submission, leaving no hope for the besieged inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Precision in Dating**, which grounds the narrative in verifiable historical time, lending credibility and gravity to the unfolding events. This meticulous chronological detail transforms a mere historical record into a testament of divine providence, showing that God's judgments unfold according to a specific timetable. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing**, as the detailed description of the siege's commencement grimly anticipates the city's inevitable fall, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exile, which are fully recounted later in the chapter. The phrase "he and all his army" coupled with "pitched against it, and built forts against it round about" creates vivid **Imagery** of overwhelming force and inescapable encirclement, conveying the utter hopelessness of Jerusalem's situation from a human perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:4 stands as a stark testament to the fulfillment of divine judgment and the unwavering sovereignty of God over human history. It marks the culmination of centuries of prophetic warnings, demonstrating that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. The precise dating and detailed description of the siege underscore that this was not a random geopolitical event, but a meticulously orchestrated act of God, using Nebuchadrezzar as His instrument to chastise Judah for its persistent idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness. This event serves as a powerful reminder that rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to severe consequences, yet even in judgment, God's ultimate purposes for His people remain intact, setting the stage for future restoration.

* [2 Kings 25:1](/2-kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - Parallel Account of the Siege's Start")
* [Ezekiel 24:1-2](/ezekiel/24-1 "Ezekiel 24:1-2 - Prophecy on the Day of the Siege")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Jerusalem's Desolation after the Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise and somber account of Jerusalem's final siege in Jeremiah 52:4 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but are ultimately fulfilled, urging us to heed His Word with seriousness and urgency. Just as Judah faced the dire consequences of its persistent rebellion and spiritual apathy, we too must recognize that our choices have real-world and spiritual ramifications. This verse calls us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience, idolatry, or compromise, prompting us to repent and return to faithful adherence to God's commands. Moreover, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty, even amidst tragic human events; He uses all circumstances, even the actions of powerful, ungodly rulers, to accomplish His divine purposes. This should instill in us a deep trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or overwhelming, knowing that He is meticulously working out His will in history and in our individual lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's warnings or delaying obedience to His revealed will?**
* **How does the historical precision of this verse strengthen my faith in the Bible's reliability and God's active involvement in history?**
* **What specific idols or forms of spiritual apathy might be present in my own life or community that need to be addressed?**

### FAQ
**Who was Nebuchadrezzar and why was he involved in Jerusalem's destruction?**

Answer: Nebuchadrezzar (also known as Nebuchadnezzar II) was the most powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from 605 to 562 BC. He was a formidable military leader who transformed Babylon into a dominant regional power. His involvement in Jerusalem's destruction was a direct consequence of King Zedekiah of Judah's rebellion against Babylonian suzerainty. From a biblical perspective, Nebuchadrezzar was not merely a geopolitical actor but was providentially used by God as His instrument of judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Prophets like Jeremiah explicitly declared that God would bring Nebuchadrezzar and his army against Jerusalem as a divine chastisement (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadrezzar as God's Servant")).

**What was the significance of the specific date mentioned in Jeremiah 52:4?**

Answer: The verse precisely dates the beginning of the siege to "the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month." This corresponds to the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, which is approximately January 15, 588 BC. This date is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, its precision underscores the historical accuracy and verifiable nature of the biblical account. Secondly, in Jewish tradition, the 10th of Tevet became a solemn fast day (Asarah B'Tevet) commemorating the beginning of the siege that ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple. This specific date marked the point of no return for Judah, signaling the irreversible unfolding of God's judgment and the end of their independent kingdom.

**What were the "forts" that Nebuchadrezzar's army built against Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "forts" (Hebrew: _dâyêq_) refer to the elaborate siege works constructed by ancient armies to conquer fortified cities. These typically included siege ramps (earthen mounds built to elevate battering rams and troops to the height of the city walls), siege towers (mobile wooden towers used to assault the walls), and circumvallation lines (a complete ring of walls or earthworks built around the besieged city). The purpose of these structures was multifaceted: to prevent the besieged from escaping or receiving supplies/reinforcements, to provide elevated positions for archers and slingers, and to facilitate the breaching of the city walls. The construction of such "forts" around Jerusalem indicates a thorough, determined, and technologically advanced siege strategy by the Babylonians, designed to completely isolate and eventually overwhelm the city.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 52:4 details a moment of profound national judgment and the physical destruction of Jerusalem, it also implicitly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The siege and subsequent fall of Jerusalem, a consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and rejection of God's prophets, foreshadows the spiritual siege laid against humanity by sin, leading to spiritual death and separation from God. However, just as God meticulously orchestrated the judgment, He also meticulously orchestrated salvation. The destruction of the physical Temple, which served as the dwelling place of God's presence, points to the coming of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the true Temple, the place where God's presence fully resides (e.g., [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the New Temple")). The precision of the date of Jerusalem's siege reminds us of God's perfect timing in all His plans, including the sending of His Son "in the fullness of time" (e.g., [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Ultimately, the judgment on Jerusalem serves as a severe warning, but it also highlights the desperate need for a Savior who would bear the ultimate judgment for sin, offering true and lasting peace not through physical walls but through spiritual redemption (e.g., [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The "forts" built to besiege Jerusalem find their spiritual counterpoint in the spiritual strongholds that Christ dismantles through His victory on the cross, liberating those who were once captive to sin and death (e.g., [2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2-corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare and Strongholds")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 39:1

¶ In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.

Zechariah 8:19

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Ezekiel 24:1

¶ Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 24:2

Son of man, write thee the name of the day, [even] of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day.

Jeremiah 52:7

Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which [was] by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.

Jeremiah 32:24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

Leviticus 26:25

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.