Jeremiah 52:8

KJV

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the army {H2428} of the Chaldeans {H3778} pursued {H7291} after {H310} the king {H4428}, and overtook {H5381} Zedekiah {H6667} in the plains {H6160} of Jericho {H3405}; and all his army {H2428} was scattered {H6327} from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the army of the Kasdim went in pursuit of the king and overtook Tzidkiyahu on the plains near Yericho; all his troops deserted him.

Berean Standard Bible

but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him.

American Standard Version

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:8 powerfully narrates the climactic moment of King Zedekiah's capture by the Babylonian (Chaldean) army in the plains of Jericho, marking the tragic end of his desperate escape attempt from besieged Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates the inevitable downfall of Judah's monarchy and the scattering of its military, serving as a stark testament to the fulfillment of divine judgment against a disobedient nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 serves as an appendix to the prophetic book, largely recounting events also detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). It provides a historical summary of Jerusalem's final siege, destruction, and the subsequent exile, thereby validating Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment. This chapter shifts from the prophet's pronouncements to a factual account of their fulfillment, emphasizing the reliability of God's word. Verses [Jeremiah 52:4-7](/jeremiah/52-4 "Jeremiah 52:4-7 - The Siege and Famine") describe the prolonged and devastating siege of Jerusalem, the severe famine that weakened the city, and Zedekiah's desperate nighttime flight. Verse [Jeremiah 52:9](/jeremiah/52-9 "Jeremiah 52:9 - Zedekiah's Judgment") immediately follows, detailing the horrific consequences of Zedekiah's capture, including the execution of his sons and his own blinding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 52:8 unfold during the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically in 586 BC. Jerusalem had been under siege by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, for over two years. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet king by Babylon, had broken his oath of allegiance and sought help from Egypt, provoking Babylon's wrath. The "Chaldeans" were the dominant ethnic group within the Neo-Babylonian Empire, renowned for their military might and strategic prowess. The "plains of Jericho" (the Jordan Valley) represented a traditional escape route from Jerusalem to the east, potentially towards Moab or Ammon, or even across the Jordan River to safety. However, this strategic location, historically significant as the entry point for Israel into the Promised Land under Joshua ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")), now became the scene of Judah's king's ignominious capture and the symbolic end of their national sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. It underscores the **Inevitability of Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's warnings, delivered through Jeremiah, were not idle threats but certain realities for a nation steeped in idolatry and rebellion. Zedekiah's capture is a direct consequence of Judah's persistent **Disobedience and Rebellion** against God's covenant and his refusal to heed the prophet's counsel to surrender to Babylon ([Jeremiah 38:17-18](/jeremiah/38-17 "Jeremiah 38:17-18 - Jeremiah's Plea to Zedekiah")). The "scattering" of his army vividly illustrates the **Collapse of Human Power and the Sovereignty of God**, showing how even a king's last vestiges of strength are futile against God's determined purposes. This event also foreshadows the **Exile and Dispersion of Judah**, a major theme that explains the subsequent seventy years of captivity and the eventual return, highlighting God's faithfulness even in judgment, as seen in later prophecies of restoration ([Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope in Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word (H2428) denotes a force, whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing concepts like strength, valor, and wealth. Here, it refers specifically to the military force of the Chaldeans and Zedekiah. The use of `chayil` for both armies highlights the stark contrast: the Chaldean `chayil` is effective and powerful, while Zedekiah's `chayil` is ultimately scattered and impotent, emphasizing the overwhelming might of Babylon and the futility of Judah's resistance.
* **pursued (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** The verb (H7291) means to run after, often with hostile intent, to chase, or to hunt. It conveys a relentless, determined pursuit. This word underscores the intensity and success of the Chaldean military operation, leaving no chance for Zedekiah's escape. It suggests a methodical and thorough hunt, ensuring the king's capture and the complete dismantling of Judah's leadership.
* **scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This primitive root (H6327) signifies to dash in pieces, to disperse, or to break apart. It vividly describes the complete disarray and disintegration of Zedekiah's forces. The scattering implies not just a retreat but a complete loss of cohesion, discipline, and fighting capability, leaving the king utterly exposed and vulnerable. This word carries strong connotations of defeat and dissolution, mirroring the impending scattering of the entire nation into exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king":** This clause sets the scene of the chase. Following Zedekiah's desperate escape attempt from Jerusalem, the formidable Babylonian (Chaldean) military force, known for its efficiency and ruthlessness, was immediately in pursuit. The word "pursued" (râdaph) implies a relentless and determined chase, leaving no room for the king to evade capture. This pursuit highlights the overwhelming power of the invading empire and the futility of Judah's resistance.
* **"and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho;":** This phrase marks the critical turning point – the successful apprehension of the fleeing monarch. The "plains of Jericho" (ʻărâbâh Yᵉrîychôw) refer to the arid Jordan Valley, a strategic and historically significant area. Zedekiah's choice of this route suggests an attempt to cross the Jordan River and escape into Transjordanian territories. However, the Chaldean forces, likely familiar with the terrain and anticipating such a move, successfully intercepted him, demonstrating their strategic acumen and the thoroughness of their operation.
* **"and all his army was scattered from him.":** This final clause describes the complete collapse of Zedekiah's military support. The term "scattered" (pûwts) vividly portrays the disintegration of his remaining forces, indicating that they were broken, dispersed, and no longer capable of offering resistance or protection. This scattering left Zedekiah isolated and defenseless, signifying the total defeat of Judah's last king and the effective end of its organized military power, paving the way for his capture and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment and defeat. **Irony** is prominent, as Zedekiah's flight to the "plains of Jericho," a place historically significant for Israel's entry into the Promised Land under Joshua, becomes the site of their final king's capture and the symbolic end of their national freedom. What was once a gateway to promise becomes a trap of doom. The phrase "all his army was scattered from him" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, not only of Zedekiah's personal downfall but also of the broader **Dispersion** of the entire Jewish nation into exile, a central theme in Jeremiah. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the relentless, successful pursuit of the Chaldean "army" and the complete disintegration of Zedekiah's "army," highlighting the overwhelming power of divine judgment executed through Babylon versus the utter helplessness of rebellious Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:8 stands as a stark theological declaration of God's sovereign control over history and the inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience. Zedekiah's capture is not merely a historical event but a direct fulfillment of prophecies concerning Judah's judgment, demonstrating that God's word, though often resisted, will ultimately prevail. It underscores the principle that rebellion against God's revealed will, whether through covenant breaking or rejecting prophetic warnings, leads to catastrophic outcomes. The scattering of the army symbolizes the dismantling of human efforts and the futility of relying on earthly strength when divine judgment is at hand, emphasizing God's ultimate authority over nations and kings.

* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 4:20](/lamentations/4-20 "The Capture of Zedekiah")
* [Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Prophecy of Zedekiah's Capture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:8 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that choices have consequences, particularly when we choose to defy God's clear commands or ignore His warnings, whether delivered through Scripture, wise counsel, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Zedekiah's flight and capture illustrate the futility of attempting to escape the consequences of our actions when we are out of alignment with God's will. This verse also highlights the fragility of human power and security, urging us to place our ultimate trust not in our own strength, resources, or strategic plans, but in the sovereign God who orchestrates all events. It calls us to a posture of humility, obedience, and dependence, reminding us that true security is found only in walking faithfully with Him, even when His path seems difficult or counter-intuitive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be attempting to "flee" from consequences rather than facing them in humility and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance?**
* **What "armies" or sources of security do I sometimes rely on more than God's sovereign power and provision?**
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse encourage my trust in God's faithfulness to His word, both in judgment and in promises of restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why did Zedekiah try to escape, and why did he choose the plains of Jericho?**

Answer: King Zedekiah attempted to escape Jerusalem because the city was under a devastating siege by the Babylonians, and its fall was imminent. He likely sought to preserve his life and perhaps continue the monarchy elsewhere, or at least avoid capture and the harsh fate that awaited him. He chose the plains of Jericho, which are part of the Jordan Valley, as an escape route because it offered a path away from the besieged city, potentially towards the Jordan River and then into the Transjordanian regions (like Moab or Ammon) which might have offered temporary refuge or a means to regroup. This route was historically significant as an entry point into the land, and perhaps he hoped it would serve as an exit to freedom. However, the Babylonians were thorough in their pursuit, anticipating such an attempt and cutting off his escape. His capture there fulfilled specific prophecies about his fate, such as those found in [Jeremiah 39:4-5](/jeremiah/39-4 "Jeremiah 39:4-5 - Zedekiah's Escape and Capture") and [Ezekiel 12:12-13](/ezekiel/12-12 "Ezekiel 12:12-13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Flight and Capture").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 52:8, with its depiction of a king's failed escape and the scattering of his army, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a parallel defeat, but in a victorious contrast that highlights the perfect kingship and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Zedekiah, the last earthly king of Judah, represents the ultimate failure of human leadership and the consequences of rebellion, leading to the scattering of his people. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of David, did not flee from His enemies but willingly laid down His life, allowing Himself to be "overtaken" by death on the cross, not as a sign of defeat but as the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His "scattering" was not of His army, but rather His disciples momentarily scattered at His arrest ([Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Disciples Scattered")), only to be regathered and empowered by His resurrection and the Holy Spirit to become His victorious army of witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Where Zedekiah's capture led to the scattering of a nation into exile, Christ's death and resurrection lead to the gathering of all nations into His eternal kingdom, bringing spiritual freedom and eternal life to those who believe ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")). He is the King who conquers not by escaping pursuit, but by embracing it, ultimately scattering the forces of sin and death, and eternally securing His people.

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 34:21

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

Jeremiah 38:23

So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Jeremiah 32:4

And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Amos 2:14

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Amos 2:15

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

Jeremiah 37:18

Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison?