2 Kings 25:18

Authorized King James Version

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And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח took H3947
וַיִּקַּ֣ח took
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 1 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
רַב And the captain H7227
רַב And the captain
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 2 of 15
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טַבָּחִ֗ים of the guard H2876
טַבָּחִ֗ים of the guard
Strong's: H2876
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׂרָיָה֙ Seraiah H8304
שְׂרָיָה֙ Seraiah
Strong's: H8304
Word #: 5 of 15
serajah, the name of nine israelites
כֹּהֵ֣ן priest H3548
כֹּהֵ֣ן priest
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 6 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הָרֹ֔אשׁ the chief H7218
הָרֹ֔אשׁ the chief
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 7 of 15
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צְפַנְיָ֖הוּ and Zephaniah H6846
צְפַנְיָ֖הוּ and Zephaniah
Strong's: H6846
Word #: 9 of 15
tsephanjah, the name of four israelites
כֹּהֵ֣ן priest H3548
כֹּהֵ֣ן priest
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 10 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִשְׁנֶ֑ה the second H4932
מִשְׁנֶ֑ה the second
Strong's: H4932
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת and the three H7969
שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת and the three
Strong's: H7969
Word #: 13 of 15
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י keepers H8104
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י keepers
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
הַסַּֽף׃ of the door H5592
הַסַּֽף׃ of the door
Strong's: H5592
Word #: 15 of 15
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

Analysis & Commentary

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

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.

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