2 Kings 25:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.

Original Language Analysis

וּמִדַּלַּ֣ת of the poor H1803
וּמִדַּלַּ֣ת of the poor
Strong's: H1803
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, something dangling, i.e., a loose thread or hair; figuratively, indigent
הָאָ֔רֶץ of the land H776
הָאָ֔רֶץ of the land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 2 of 7
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
הִשְׁאִ֖יר left H7604
הִשְׁאִ֖יר left
Strong's: H7604
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
רַב But the captain H7227
רַב But the captain
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 4 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טַבָּחִ֑ים of the guard H2876
טַבָּחִ֑ים of the guard
Strong's: H2876
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
לְכֹֽרְמִ֖ים to be vinedressers H3755
לְכֹֽרְמִ֖ים to be vinedressers
Strong's: H3755
Word #: 6 of 7
a vinedresser
וּלְיֹֽגְבִֽים׃ H1461
וּלְיֹֽגְבִֽים׃
Strong's: H1461
Word #: 7 of 7
to dig

Analysis & Commentary

But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. As Judah approaches exile, these events fulfill prophetic warnings and demonstrate that God's patience with covenant violation is not infinite.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 25 takes place during the final collapse of Judah and Babylonian exile, early 6th century BCE, 605-586 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction) reflects the historical reality of the final collapse of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and exile to Babylon as covenant curses are fully realized. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources