Jeremiah 52:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the city {H5892} was broken up {H1234}, and all the men {H582} of war {H4421} fled {H1272}, and went forth {H3318} out of the city {H5892} by night {H3915} by the way {H1870} of the gate {H8179} between the two walls {H2346}, which was by the king's {H4428} garden {H1588};(now the Chaldeans {H3778} were by the city {H5892} round about {H5439}:) and they went {H3212} by the way {H1870} of the plain {H6160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they broke through into the city. All the soldiers fled and left the city by night through the gate between the two walls, near the king's garden. Because the Kasdim were surrounding the city, they took the route through the 'Aravah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah,

American Standard Version

Then a breach was made in the city, 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 against the city round about); and they went toward the Arabah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:7 vividly captures the climactic and tragic moment of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonian forces, detailing the desperate, clandestine escape attempt of King Zedekiah and his military personnel. As the city walls were violently breached, the king and his men, completely surrounded by the Chaldean army, sought to flee under the cover of night through a specific, hidden route leading towards the Jordan plain – a futile and ultimately failed effort to evade the inevitable divine judgment that had decisively befallen Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 functions as a historical appendix to the prophetic book of Jeremiah, largely reiterating and occasionally expanding upon the accounts found in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Capture of Jerusalem") and [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). This chapter provides a detailed, factual account of Jerusalem's final siege, its destruction, and the subsequent exile of its inhabitants, thereby serving to validate the dire prophecies of judgment delivered throughout the preceding chapters. Verse 7 specifically describes the breaching of the city's formidable defenses and the immediate, desperate flight of King Zedekiah and his soldiers. This dramatic scene sets the stage for his swift capture and the definitive end of the Judean monarchy, as meticulously detailed in the verses immediately following, such as [Jeremiah 52:8-11](/jeremiah/52-8-11 "Jeremiah 52:8-11 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 52:7 transpired during the final, brutal stages of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which had commenced in the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign and endured for approximately two and a half years, as noted in [Jeremiah 52:4-5](/jeremiah/52-4-5 "Jeremiah 52:4-5 - The Siege of Jerusalem Begins"). The Chaldeans (Babylonians), under the formidable King Nebuchadnezzar, had meticulously surrounded the city, effectively cutting off all supplies and avenues of escape. Jerusalem, a heavily fortified city designed to withstand prolonged sieges, ultimately found its defenses insufficient against the relentless Babylonian assault, further exacerbated by severe famine and internal strife. The specific mention of "the gate between the two walls" and "the king's garden" points to recognizable topographical features of ancient Jerusalem, likely indicating a postern gate or a concealed exit used for emergencies or private royal access to a garden outside the main defenses. This detail underscores the king's desperate and secretive attempt to use a less obvious route to escape the overwhelming encircling enemy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it starkly underscores the **inevitability of divine judgment** against Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and disobedience, thereby fulfilling Jeremiah's dire warnings that the city would fall and its king would be captured, as forcefully prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 32:28-29](/jeremiah/32-28-29 "Jeremiah 32:28-29 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction"). Secondly, it vividly portrays the **futility of human resistance and escape** when confronted with God's determined and sovereign judgment. The "men of war," whose duty was to defend the city, were instead seen fleeing, symbolizing the complete collapse of Judah's political and military strength. Finally, the scene marks the **definitive end of the independent Kingdom of Judah** and the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem, ushering in the painful and transformative era of the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound theological reflection and reorientation for the covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies a violent cleaving, rending, or tearing open. In the context of the city, it emphasizes the forceful and destructive penetration of Jerusalem's formidable defenses by the Babylonian army. It conveys a sense of the walls being not merely breached, but violently ripped apart, highlighting the overwhelming power of the invaders and the utter collapse of the city's security. This word can also mean to "break forth" or "burst," suggesting the sudden and overwhelming nature of the breakthrough.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** This word denotes a sudden, swift bolting or fleeing away, often implying a desperate, hurried escape. It captures the panic and urgency of the king and his soldiers as they realized the city's defenses had failed, emphasizing their immediate and frantic attempt to evade capture rather than engage in further resistance. The term also carries a sense of being "chased away" or "put to flight," underscoring the relentless pursuit by the enemy.
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** This term refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, specifically the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East at this time. Their presence "round about" the city underscores the complete encirclement and overwhelming military advantage they held, making any escape attempt exceedingly perilous and ultimately futile. The term can also refer to astrologers, highlighting the perceived wisdom and power of this people group in the ancient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the city was broken up":** This clause marks the critical turning point of the siege. After a prolonged period of endurance, the Babylonian forces finally succeeded in breaching Jerusalem's walls, signifying the catastrophic collapse of its defenses and the imminent fall of the city. This was the moment of no return for the inhabitants, sealing their fate.
* **"and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night":** Upon the breach, the military forces, including King Zedekiah, abandoned their defensive positions. Their flight "by night" indicates a desperate attempt to use the cover of darkness for concealment, hoping to slip past the besieging army unnoticed. This act highlights their desperation, the complete loss of morale, and the strategic disadvantage they faced.
* **"by the way of the gate between the two walls, which [was] by the king's garden":** This highly specific detail describes the clandestine escape route. The "gate between the two walls" suggests a concealed or less-guarded passage, possibly a postern gate, designed for emergency exits or private access. Its location "by the king's garden" further implies a route known only to the royal household or inner circle, underscoring the secretive and desperate nature of the flight, a last-ditch effort for survival.
* **"(now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:)":** This parenthetical statement serves as a crucial contextual interjection, emphasizing the overwhelming odds against the escapees. It clarifies that despite their efforts to flee secretly, the Chaldean army had completely encircled Jerusalem, making their escape attempt virtually impossible from the outset. This highlights the futility of their actions and the inescapable nature of their predicament.
* **"and they went by the way of the plain.":** The final clause indicates the direction of their flight – towards the 'Arabah, or the Jordan plain. This was likely an attempt to reach the Jordan River and cross into Transjordan, hoping to find refuge or escape further into the desert. However, as subsequent verses reveal, this path led directly into the hands of their relentless pursuers, confirming the futility of their plan.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity and pathos of Jerusalem's fall. **Irony** is strikingly evident in the "men of war" fleeing rather than fighting, highlighting the utter collapse of Judah's military might and the futility of their resistance. The detailed description of the escape route—"the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden"—serves as vivid **Imagery**, painting a precise picture of the clandestine and desperate nature of the flight, grounding the narrative in specific, recognizable geographical features of ancient Jerusalem. The parenthetical remark, "(now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:)", functions as potent **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**, immediately informing the reader of the inevitable failure of the escape attempt, even as the king and his men embark on it. This creates a profound sense of tragic inevitability, emphasizing that divine judgment, once fully unleashed, cannot be circumvented by human ingenuity or desperate measures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:7 stands as a stark testament to the principle that divine judgment, when fully enacted, is inescapable and comprehensive. It illustrates the tragic consequences of persistent disobedience and the absolute futility of human attempts to circumvent God's sovereign will. The fall of Jerusalem and the desperate flight of its king signify not merely a military defeat but the culmination of centuries of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God's patience, though vast, is not without limits. This devastating event served as a profound object lesson for Israel, reminding them of the serious implications of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and the absolute necessity of repentance and obedience to His commands.

* [Jeremiah 39:2-4](/jeremiah/39-2-4 "The Breach and Zedekiah's Flight")
* [2 Kings 25:4-5](/2_kings/25-4-5 "The King's Escape and Capture")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Judah in Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a solemn reminder of the gravity of unheeded warnings and the inevitability of consequences for persistent disobedience. Just as Judah's leaders and people ignored prophetic calls to repentance, we too can become complacent or rebellious, believing we can escape the natural or spiritual repercussions of our choices. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and responsiveness to God's word, whether it comes through the direct declarations of Scripture, the wise counsel of spiritual mentors, or the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the futility of attempting to outrun or outmaneuver the consequences of our actions, especially when they stem from a pattern of rebellion against divine truth and righteousness. Instead, it calls us to proactive and sincere repentance, seeking reconciliation with God and aligning our lives with His righteous standards before desperate measures become our only perceived option. The narrative also reminds us that even in moments of profound failure and devastating loss, God's overarching plan of redemption and restoration, though often painful in its unfolding, remains steadfast and ultimately triumphs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be ignoring God's warnings or subtly resisting His guidance?**
* **How does the futile escape of Zedekiah's forces challenge my own tendencies to avoid responsibility or try to circumvent difficult consequences?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of immediate and sincere repentance when confronted with my sin?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's voice and a quicker obedience to His commands in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was "the gate between the two walls" and "the king's garden" referring to?**

Answer: "The gate between the two walls" likely refers to a specific, perhaps concealed or less-used, exit point within Jerusalem's complex defensive system. Ancient cities often had multiple layers of walls, and a gate "between two walls" could indicate a hidden passage or a postern gate designed for emergency egress or for the king's private use. "The king's garden" was a known geographical feature located outside the main city walls, probably in the Kidron Valley or near the Gihon Spring. This specific mention suggests that King Zedekiah and his men attempted to escape through a route known only to a select few, hoping to avoid the main gates which would have been heavily guarded by the encircling [Chaldean](/jeremiah/52-7 "The Chaldeans Surround Jerusalem") forces. This detail underscores the desperate and clandestine nature of their flight, highlighting the last-ditch effort to evade capture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 52:7 vividly portrays the tragic end of a disobedient monarchy and the devastating judgment upon Jerusalem, it also, by profound contrast, points to the ultimate King and the true fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's desperate flight through a hidden gate into the plain, only to be captured and suffer severe punishment, represents the futility of human attempts to escape divine judgment through self-effort or cunning. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of God, did not flee from judgment but willingly embraced it. He entered Jerusalem, not to escape, but to confront sin and death head-on, purposefully fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "The Suffering Servant")). His "way" was not one of desperate escape, but of purposeful submission to the Father's will, leading Him to the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike Zedekiah, who was captured and blinded, Jesus willingly laid down His life and then rose again, conquering death and offering true escape – not from earthly enemies, but from the spiritual bondage of sin and its eternal consequences ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). His "garden" was Gethsemane, where He prayed in agony, submitting to the Father's will, rather than seeking an escape route ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Jesus in Gethsemane")). Thus, Zedekiah's failed flight serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious, redemptive mission of Christ shines even brighter, offering a path to salvation that is secure and eternal, unlike the fleeting and futile escape attempts of human kings.

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 51:32

And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.

Jeremiah 39:4

And it came to pass, [that] when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

Jeremiah 34:2

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire:

Jeremiah 34:3

And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?