Jeremiah 52:9

Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him.

Then they took {H8610} the king {H4428}, and carried him up {H5927} unto the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} to Riblah {H7247} in the land {H776} of Hamath {H2574}; where he gave {H1696} judgment {H4941} upon him.

Then they took the king and brought him up to the king of Bavel in Rivlah, in the land of Hamat, where he passed judgment on him.

The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah.

Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment upon him.

Commentary

Jeremiah 52:9 describes a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, detailing the capture and judgment of its last king, Zedekiah, by the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar. This verse marks a grim culmination of years of prophecy and escalating disobedience.

Context

This verse is part of the historical appendix to the Book of Jeremiah, which largely mirrors events described in 2 Kings chapter 25. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet ruler by Nebuchadnezzar after the first siege of Jerusalem and the exile of King Jehoiachin, rebelled against Babylonian rule. Despite repeated warnings from the prophet Jeremiah, Zedekiah sought alliances with Egypt, sealing Judah's fate. After a prolonged siege, Jerusalem fell in 586 BC. Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured in the plains of Jericho.

He was then brought to Riblah, a significant Babylonian military headquarters in the land of Hamath (modern Syria), where Nebuchadnezzar often held court during his campaigns. This location was far from Jerusalem, emphasizing Zedekiah's complete removal from his kingdom and authority.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The capture and judgment of Zedekiah serve as a stark illustration of God's judgment upon Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience, particularly its failure to heed the prophetic warnings. This event fulfills numerous prophecies about the fall of Jerusalem and the exile.
  • End of an Era: Zedekiah's capture and subsequent punishment effectively marked the definitive end of the independent Kingdom of Judah and the Davidic monarchy's reign in Jerusalem, ushering in the period of the Babylonian captivity.
  • Nebuchadnezzar's Authority: The verse highlights the absolute power and authority of King Nebuchadnezzar as God's instrument of judgment against Judah. His "judgment upon him" was not merely a legal ruling but a brutal display of imperial power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave judgment upon him" (KJV) conveys a strong sense of formal, decisive sentencing. The Hebrew term for "judgment" (שָׁ׀ַט, shaphat) implies not just a verdict but also the execution of a sentence. In this context, it signifies Nebuchadnezzar acting as a judge and executioner, delivering the harsh consequences of Zedekiah's rebellion and Judah's faithlessness.

Related Scriptures

  • The specific details of Zedekiah's capture are also recounted in Jeremiah 39:5.
  • The full extent of Nebuchadnezzar's judgment, including the slaying of Zedekiah's sons and his own blinding, is detailed in the very next verse, Jeremiah 52:10.
  • Jeremiah had prophesied Zedekiah's capture and meeting with the King of Babylon in Jeremiah 34:3.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:9 serves as a powerful reminder that choices have consequences, especially when defying divine warnings. Zedekiah's downfall illustrates the futility of relying on human alliances over obedience to God. For believers, it underscores the importance of heeding God's word and warnings, recognizing that disobedience can lead to severe outcomes. It also reminds us that even in the actions of seemingly secular rulers like Nebuchadnezzar, God's sovereign plan is at work, fulfilling His purposes and judgments.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 39:5

    But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

  • Numbers 13:21

    ΒΆ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

  • Joshua 13:5

    And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

  • 2 Kings 25:6

    So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

  • Ezekiel 21:25

    And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity [shall have] an end,

  • Ezekiel 21:27

    I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no [more], until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [him].

  • 2 Chronicles 33:11

    ΒΆ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.