Jeremiah 52:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:9 recounts the ignominious capture and subsequent judgment of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, by the Babylonian forces. After a desperate attempt to flee Jerusalem, Zedekiah was apprehended in the plains of Jericho and brought before King Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah in the land of Hamath. This verse marks the climactic moment of Judah's downfall, symbolizing the definitive end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule and the severe consequences of the nation's persistent rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the historical appendix to the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 52:1-34), which serves as a detailed, albeit grim, epilogue to Jeremiah's prophecies. It largely parallels the account found in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), providing a factual record of Jerusalem's final siege, fall, and the subsequent exile. Jeremiah 52:9 specifically describes the capture of King Zedekiah, immediately following the account of Jerusalem's breach and Zedekiah's flight (Jeremiah 52:7-8). The verses that follow (Jeremiah 52:10-11) detail the brutal execution of Nebuchadnezzar's judgment, including the slaying of Zedekiah's sons and his own blinding, underscoring the severity of the moment described in verse 9. This historical narrative validates the truthfulness and fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophetic warnings throughout the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Zedekiah was installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar after the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and the exile of King Jehoiachin in 597 BC. Despite solemn oaths of loyalty to Babylon and repeated warnings from the prophet Jeremiah, Zedekiah rebelled, seeking alliance with Egypt. This act of defiance led to Nebuchadnezzar's final, devastating siege of Jerusalem, which lasted for over two years (588-586 BC). Riblah, located in the land of Hamath (modern Syria), was a strategically vital military headquarters for the Babylonian empire, often serving as Nebuchadnezzar's command center during his western campaigns. Its distance from Jerusalem (approximately 350 miles north) emphasized Zedekiah's complete removal from his kingdom and authority, highlighting the absolute power of his captor. The act of bringing a defeated king before the conquering monarch for "judgment" was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, designed to humiliate the vanquished and assert imperial dominance.
* **Key Themes:** The capture and judgment of Zedekiah in this verse contribute significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating God's unwavering justice against Judah for its persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Zedekiah's downfall is a direct fulfillment of prophecies, particularly Jeremiah's warnings to the king himself (e.g., [Jeremiah 34:2-3](/jeremiah/34-2 "Jeremiah 34:2-3 - Prophecy to Zedekiah")). This event also marks the **End of an Era**, specifically the definitive conclusion of the independent Kingdom of Judah and the Davidic monarchy's reign in Jerusalem, ushering in the seventy-year period of the [Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy Years of Captivity"). Finally, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty through Human Agency**, as Nebuchadnezzar, though a pagan king, is undeniably presented as God's instrument of judgment, executing divine will against a rebellious nation, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 27:6-7](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6-7 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Hebrew, _tâphas'_):** H8610, a primitive root meaning to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably. In this context, it emphasizes the forceful and decisive capture of Zedekiah, highlighting his loss of freedom and power. It's not a voluntary surrender but a violent apprehension.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** H4428, from the root "mâlak" meaning to reign; a king; royal. The repeated use of "king" (Zedekiah, then the king of Babylon) starkly contrasts Zedekiah's former royal status with his current humiliation and subjugation under Nebuchadnezzar, who is the true "king" in this scene, wielding ultimate authority.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941, from "shâphaṭ" (to judge); properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice. Here, it refers to the formal, decisive, and severe sentence pronounced by Nebuchadnezzar, which would include the brutal punishments detailed in the subsequent verses. It signifies not just a legal ruling but the execution of a definitive imperial decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they took the king,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the dramatic shift in Zedekiah's status. "They" refers to the Chaldean (Babylonian) forces who had been pursuing Zedekiah after he fled Jerusalem. The act of "taking" implies capture, not negotiation or surrender, underscoring Zedekiah's complete loss of control and his failed escape attempt.
* **"and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath;"**: This phrase details the destination and the manner of Zedekiah's transport. "Carried him up" suggests a formal, perhaps humiliating, procession to the supreme authority, King Nebuchadnezzar. Riblah, a significant military and administrative center for Babylon in the region of Hamath (modern Syria), was chosen for its strategic importance and Nebuchadnezzar's presence there, far from the fallen Jerusalem, further emphasizing Zedekiah's complete removal from his former domain and the finality of his capture.
* **"where he gave judgment upon him."**: This concluding clause is the culmination of Zedekiah's journey. "He" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, who, as the supreme authority, pronounced a verdict. The "judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) was not merely a legal pronouncement but a definitive, severe, and punitive sentence, reflecting the full weight of Babylonian imperial power and Zedekiah's perceived treason. This judgment would involve the brutal acts detailed in the following verses, signifying the ultimate consequences of Zedekiah's rebellion and Judah's disobedience to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Zedekiah's desperate flight, intended to save his life and preserve his kingship, leads him directly into the hands of his captor for a judgment far more severe than had he surrendered earlier. The location of Riblah functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a geographical point but the seat of Babylonian imperial power and the definitive place of Judah's humiliation and the end of its independent monarchy. The very act of being "carried up" (H5927, _ʻâlâh_, to ascend) to Nebuchadnezzar, rather than Zedekiah ascending his own throne, is a powerful **Inversion** and symbol of his utter subjugation and loss of royal dignity. The concise, declarative nature of the verse, particularly "where he gave judgment upon him," creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the horrific details of Zedekiah's punishment that are revealed in the subsequent verses, building dramatic tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:9 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering justice and sovereignty of God. Zedekiah's capture and judgment are not merely political events but the divine consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion against the Lord and their repeated rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic warnings. This verse underscores that covenant unfaithfulness inevitably leads to judgment, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His warnings as much as to His promises. Even the actions of a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar are shown to be instruments in God's sovereign hand, fulfilling His purposes for His people, albeit through painful discipline. The end of Zedekiah's reign signifies the temporary cessation of the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem, a profound theological moment that would shape Israelite identity and future messianic hopes.

* [Jeremiah 39:5](/jeremiah/39-5 "Jeremiah 39:5 - Zedekiah Captured")
* [2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Judgment")
* [Ezekiel 12:12-13](/ezekiel/12-12 "Ezekiel 12:12-13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Fate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Zedekiah's capture and judgment in Jeremiah 52:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitable consequences of disobedience, particularly when divine warnings are repeatedly ignored. Zedekiah's reliance on human alliances and his defiance of God's clear word through Jeremiah ultimately led to his catastrophic downfall. For us, this highlights the futility of trusting in worldly strategies over faithful obedience to God's revealed will. It calls us to sober reflection on our own lives: are we heeding God's voice, whether through Scripture, wise counsel, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Do we prioritize short-term comfort or perceived security over the long-term blessings of obedience? This verse also reminds us that God's sovereignty extends even to the actions of seemingly secular powers, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. In times of national or personal crisis, we are called to trust in His overarching plan, even when His methods involve difficult discipline.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own wisdom or worldly alliances rather than fully trusting and obeying God's word?**
* **How sensitive am I to God's warnings, whether through Scripture, circumstances, or the counsel of others? Am I quick to dismiss them?**
* **What does Zedekiah's fate teach me about the long-term consequences of persistent disobedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and submission to God's sovereign plan, even when it involves hardship or discomfort?**

### FAQ

**Who was King Zedekiah and what was his significance?**

Answer: King Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after the first siege of Jerusalem and the exile of King Jehoiachin in 597 BC. His original name was Mattaniah, but Nebuchadnezzar changed it to Zedekiah, meaning "My righteousness is Yahweh," ironically given his unrighteous reign. His significance lies in the fact that his rebellion against Babylon, despite Jeremiah's consistent warnings, directly led to the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the end of the independent Kingdom of Judah. His capture and brutal judgment, as described in [Jeremiah 52:9-11](/jeremiah/52-9 "Jeremiah 52:9-11 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment"), marked the definitive end of the Davidic monarchy's reign in Jerusalem and ushered in the Babylonian exile.

**Why was Riblah chosen as the place of judgment for Zedekiah?**

Answer: Riblah, located in the land of Hamath (modern Syria), was a strategically important military and administrative center for the Babylonian empire. It served as a key staging ground and command post for Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns in the Levant. By bringing Zedekiah to Riblah, Nebuchadnezzar asserted his absolute authority away from the fallen city of Jerusalem. This location underscored Zedekiah's complete removal from his kingdom and symbolized the transfer of power and sovereignty from Judah to Babylon. It was a place where imperial justice, often brutal, was meted out, emphasizing the complete subjugation of the defeated king and his nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ignominious capture and judgment of King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 52:9, symbolizing the failure of earthly kingship and the consequences of rebellion, powerfully foreshadows the perfect and righteous kingship of Jesus Christ. Zedekiah, a king who failed to heed divine warnings and led his people into ruin, stands in stark contrast to Christ, the true King of Israel and the world, who perfectly obeyed the Father's will even unto death. While Zedekiah was "carried up" to face a judgment of condemnation and blindness for his sin, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly "ascended" to the cross to bear the judgment for humanity's sin, becoming spiritually "blinded" (cut off from the Father) so that we might gain spiritual sight. Zedekiah's earthly kingdom was utterly destroyed, but Christ's kingdom, though [not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World"), is eternal and unshakable. The judgment Zedekiah received was one of condemnation and punishment; the judgment Christ endured on the cross was substitutionary, allowing all who believe in Him to receive grace and forgiveness. Ultimately, while Zedekiah's story concludes with the end of a dynasty, Christ's story culminates in His resurrection and ascension, establishing an eternal reign as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), bringing true justice and salvation to all who submit to His perfect rule.

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 39:5

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

¶ 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

¶ 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.