2 Kings 25:2

Authorized King James Version

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And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

Original Language Analysis

וַתָּבֹ֥א was besieged H935
וַתָּבֹ֥א was besieged
Strong's: H935
Word #: 1 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הָעִ֖יר And the city H5892
הָעִ֖יר And the city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 2 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בַּמָּצ֑וֹר H4692
בַּמָּצ֑וֹר
Strong's: H4692
Word #: 3 of 9
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
עַ֚ד H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 4 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עַשְׁתֵּ֣י unto the eleventh H6249
עַשְׁתֵּ֣י unto the eleventh
Strong's: H6249
Word #: 5 of 9
eleven or (ordinal) eleventh
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
Strong's: H6240
Word #: 6 of 9
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
שָׁנָ֔ה year H8141
שָׁנָ֔ה year
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 7 of 9
a year (as a revolution of time)
לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ of king H4428
לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ of king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 8 of 9
a king
צִדְקִיָּֽהוּ׃ Zedekiah H6667
צִדְקִיָּֽהוּ׃ Zedekiah
Strong's: H6667
Word #: 9 of 9
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

Analysis & Commentary

And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 25: Covenant curses fulfilled completely. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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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