Jeremiah 52:15

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive [certain] of the poor of the people, and the residue of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude.

Then Nebuzaradan {H5018} the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} carried away captive {H1540} certain of the poor {H1803} of the people {H5971}, and the residue {H3499} of the people {H5971} that remained {H7604} in the city {H5892}, and those that fell away {H5307}, that fell {H5307} to the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and the rest {H3499} of the multitude {H527}.

N'vuzar'adan the commander of the guard then deported some of the poor people, the remaining population of the city, the deserters who had defected to the king of Bavel and the rest of the common people.

Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the craftsmen.

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the poorest of the people, and the residue of the people that were left in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude.

Commentary

Jeremiah 52:15 describes a crucial moment in the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, detailing the extensive deportation of its inhabitants by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard for King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This verse underscores the thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest and the tragic culmination of Judah's long history of disobedience.

Context

This verse is found at the end of the book of Jeremiah, serving as an historical appendix that largely parallels the account in 2 Kings 25:11. It recounts the third and final major deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon in 586 BC, following the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. This deportation was distinct from earlier ones, such as the one in 605 BC (which included Daniel, as seen in Daniel 1:3) and 597 BC (which included Ezekiel, referenced in Ezekiel 1:1). Nebuzaradan, a high-ranking official, was tasked with overseeing the systematic removal of the remaining population, solidifying Babylon's control over the defeated nation of Judah.

Key Themes

  • The Thoroughness of Judgment: The verse highlights that various segments of society were taken into captivity—"the poor of the people," "the residue of the people that remained in the city," and even "those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon." This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry and rejection of His prophets.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The Babylonian exile, vividly depicted here, was the direct fulfillment of numerous prophecies concerning the severe consequences of Judah's covenant unfaithfulness. It served as a stark lesson on the gravity of rebellion against God's commands.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Though executed by a foreign power, this deportation was understood as part of God's sovereign plan to discipline His people, ultimately to bring them to repentance and preserve a remnant for future restoration, as promised in verses like Jeremiah 29:10.

Linguistic Insights

The name Nebuzaradan (Hebrew: נְבוּזַרְאֲדָן, Nəḇūzarʾăḏān) is Babylonian, likely meaning "Nabu has given a seed" or "Nabu has given offspring." His title, "captain of the guard," (Hebrew: רַב־טַבָּחִים, rav-ṭabbāḥîm) literally translates to "chief of the slaughterers" or "chief of the executioners," indicating his authority over the royal guard and his grim duties in the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportations. The phrase "those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon" refers to defectors or deserters who had previously surrendered to the Babylonians, perhaps hoping for better treatment or safety. However, even these individuals were not spared the general deportation, underscoring that all were subject to the conqueror's will.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn truth that actions have consequences, especially in relation to our walk with God. It illustrates the thoroughness of divine judgment when warnings are ignored and covenant obligations are neglected. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and heeding God's word. While we live under the new covenant of grace, this historical account still teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who works out His purposes even through difficult circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 14:2 (2 votes)

    For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

  • Jeremiah 15:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

  • Jeremiah 15:2 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.