2 Kings 25:30

And his allowance [was] a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.

And his allowance {H737} was a continual {H8548} allowance {H737} given {H5414} him of the king {H4428}, a daily {H3117}{H3117} rate {H1697} for every day {H3117}, all the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}.

and he was granted a daily allowance by the king to spend on his other needs for as long as he lived.

And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life.

and for his allowance, there was a continual allowance given him of the king, every day a portion, all the days of his life.

Commentary

2 Kings 25:30 concludes the historical narrative of the book of 2 Kings, offering a final glimpse into the fate of Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, after decades of imprisonment in Babylon. This verse underscores the stability and permanence of the provision granted to him by the Babylonian king, Evil-merodach.

Context

This verse marks a significant turning point for Jehoiachin, who had been taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar at a young age, as detailed in 2 Kings 24:15. After 37 years in Babylonian prison, the new king, Evil-merodach, ascended the throne and showed unexpected favor to Jehoiachin. Verses 27-29 describe his release, elevation above other captive kings, and regular provision at the king's table. Verse 30 solidifies this arrangement, emphasizing its lasting nature. This act of mercy, coming from a pagan king, provides a subtle note of hope at the end of a book largely filled with the decline and eventual exile of Judah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: While the act is attributed to Evil-merodach, many commentators see God's hand at work, demonstrating His continued care for the Davidic line and His people, even in their darkest hour of exile. It shows that God can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.
  • Mercy and Favor: After prolonged suffering, Jehoiachin experiences an unmerited act of kindness and elevation. This illustrates the possibility of grace and unexpected blessings even in the midst of severe judgment and captivity.
  • Enduring Hope: For the Judean exiles, the favorable treatment of their former king, though not a full restoration, served as a glimmer of hope. It suggested that God had not entirely abandoned His covenant with David, pointing forward to a future return and the ultimate Messiah from David's lineage. This same account is also found in Jeremiah 52:34.
  • Stability and Security: The phrase "continual allowance... daily rate for every day, all the days of his life" highlights the secure and consistent nature of his provision. It was not a temporary reprieve but a permanent arrangement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "allowance" or "portion" here is aruchah (אֲרֻחָה), which refers to a fixed portion of food or a regular meal. This term emphasizes the certainty and consistency of the provision, indicating that Jehoiachin's needs were met systematically and reliably, rather than through random acts of charity. It speaks to a formal, established arrangement.

Practical Application

This concluding verse of 2 Kings offers several enduring lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness in Adversity: Even when circumstances seem dire and human plans fail, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold. He provides for His people in unexpected ways and through unlikely sources.
  • Hope in Unexpected Places: Just as Jehoiachin found favor from an enemy king, we can find glimmers of hope and acts of kindness even in the most challenging and desolate periods of life. This reminds us that God's provision is not limited by our circumstances, but often extends beyond what we can foresee.
  • The Long View of God's Plan: The story of Jehoiachin, though seemingly small, contributes to the larger biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. It encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when immediate circumstances are difficult, knowing that He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
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Cross-References

  • Luke 11:3 (8 votes)

    Give us day by day our daily bread.

  • Matthew 6:11 (6 votes)

    Give us this day our daily bread.

  • Nehemiah 11:23 (6 votes)

    For [it was] the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

  • Daniel 1:5 (5 votes)

    And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

  • Nehemiah 12:47 (5 votes)

    And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron.

  • Genesis 48:15 (4 votes)

    And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

  • Genesis 48:16 (4 votes)

    The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.